Story perspectives

Burnham Suspends 5,000-Inmate Release, Grooming-Gang Excluded

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham halted release of grooming-gang offenders under a 5,000-inmate scheme.
Ministers suspended the programme after excluding grooming-gang members and child-sex offenders, reducing releases from 6,000 to 5,000.
Leader Kemi Badenoch wrote to Burnham demanding offence details and accusing the government of betraying victims.
Burnham refused to exempt the killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who could be freed during their 13-year terms, leaving Henry Long ineligible.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham halted release of grooming-gang offenders under a 5,000-inmate scheme.
Ministers suspended the programme after excluding grooming-gang members and child-sex offenders, reducing releases from 6,000 to 5,000.
Leader Kemi Badenoch wrote to Burnham demanding offence details and accusing the government of betraying victims.
Burnham refused to exempt the killers, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who could be freed during their 13-year terms, leaving Henry Long ineligible.