Burnham Cuts Early Prison Release Plan as Jails Stay Nearly Full

On 30 August 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham reversed his plan to let prisoners out early, shrinking the number eligible from about 6,000 to 4,600. He excluded people convicted of manslaughter (killing without intent), rape, child sexual abuse, and grooming. England and Wales prisons stay 98% full. Critics call the system 'one major event away from disaster.'