Badenoch to force vote on early release of rapists and groomers from prison

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is to force a vote on the exemption of rapists, paedophiles, and grooming gang members from the Government’s early release scheme.

Under the Sentencing Act 2026, some offenders will be released early from prison from September in an effort to relieve overcrowding.

Reports have suggested that killers, rapists and sex offenders could be among those let out, which has led to widespread criticism of the Government.

The Tories will use an opposition day debate to call on the Government to exempt “any offender who has been convicted of any sexual offence against an adult or a child, including rape and grooming, or convicted of the attempt, conspiracy, or incitement to commit such offences”, in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

Ahead of the debate, Mrs Badenoch said: “It is frankly disgusting that convicted rapists, paedophiles and grooming gangs are being let out early by Labour.

“We warned the Government their Sentencing Bill would do this, but they didn’t listen. Now even Andy Burnham is saying he wants to change the law, so groomers and rapists aren’t eligible for early release.

“If Labour MPs want to show they understand the fury that many people feel about this situation, they should vote for the Conservative Party’s motion and keep vile sex offenders behind bars.”

Published: 07/07/2026 by Radio NewsHub