Mum of Nottingham attacks victim backs calls to stop killers' early release
Emma Webber has joined more than 30 families in signing an open letter to the government.
Over 30 families have urged the government to halt the early release of killers convicted of manslaughter to address prison overcrowding in England and Wales. The families, including Emma Webber whose son was killed in a Nottingham attack, argue that victims are being burdened with the consequences of the prison capacity crisis.
The letter to Justice Secretary Alex Norris highlights the difficulty the government faces in managing the prison system, which is on the brink of collapse. The early release scheme, aimed at easing overcrowding, currently excludes those convicted of murder, rape, serious child sexual abuse, and grooming offenses. However, the families demand that voluntary manslaughter be added to the exclusion list.
They express deep concern that early releases may compromise justice for victims and public protection. The government defends the scheme, stating they are addressing the "wholesale collapse of the criminal justice system" by building new prisons, expanding electronic tagging, and investing in probation services. The prime minister has requested the justice secretary to present a plan for further changes to the early release scheme to parliament next month.
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