Burnham's Prison Release U-Turn Narrows Scope but Leaves System at 98% Capacity

On 30 August 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham reversed the early prison release scheme, cutting eligible prisoners from roughly 6,000 to about 4,600 by excluding those convicted of manslaughter, rape, child sexual abuse, and grooming. England and Wales prisons remain at 98% capacity. Critics warn the system is 'one major event away from disaster.'