The end of early release for violent and sexual offenders has been welcomed by Fylde MP Mark Menzies.
Those who have committed such crimes will no longer be automatically released halfway through their sentence, and will now be reviewed two thirds of the way through their sentences.
Mr Menzies said: “I’m glad to see we are ending Labour’s policy of releasing those serious criminals automatically half way through and instead requiring them to serve two thirds of their sentence in prison with the other one third under strict licence conditions.
“These are the very criminals we need to see keep behind bars for longer to make sure they are no longer a threat to the public before they are considered for release.”
Early release at two thirds of a sentence means prisoners can be released with strict license conditions which allows police and probation services to track and monitor them; release on completion of a full sentence would mean no conditions on them at all.
The Prime Minister has announced an urgent review of sentencing to ensure the public are properly protected from the most dangerous criminals. This will focus on whether violent and sexual offenders are serving the right sentences and consider whether changes are needed to lock criminals up for longer.
The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme is being extended so more victims can challenge the sentences offenders receive. Criminals convicted of stalking, harassment, child sexual abuse and other sex offences could see their sentences increased if victims or the public think their punishment is too lenient.