Releasing violent criminals halfway through sentences to end under new government plans

Murderers and rapists will no longer be eligible for release halfway through their prison sentences under new plans to be unveiled by the government on Tuesday.

Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, will tell the Conservatives’ annual conference that the most violent criminals will be made to serve two-thirds of their sentence before early release can be considered.

The government said that most offenders are currently released having served only half of their sentence, even if they could pose a further risk to the public.

As part of a new hardline approach to criminal justice, Mr Buckland is expected to promise that the government will create 10,000 more prison places to help the system cope with the extra pressure.

And speaking at the conference in Manchester later in the day, Priti Patel, the home secretary, will warn criminals: “We are coming after you”.

The new measures come after Boris Johnson ordered an urgent review of criminal sentencing within days of entering No 10. One of the recommendations was to end automatic release at the halfway point of a sentence for the most serious offenders.

The change will apply to people who are convicted of crimes carrying a maximum of sentence of life in prison, including murder, rape and grievous bodily harm, and who are sentenced to at least four years in prison.​​

Mr Buckland is expected to tell the conference in Manchester: “We’re going to restore faith in the sentencing system, because we Conservatives believe release should be earned.

“And that’s why, for the most serious violent and sexual offenders, I’m announcing this Conservative government will abolish automatic early release at the halfway point. These criminals will be required to serve two-thirds of their sentence behind bars.”

He will continue: “Because keeping the most dangerous violent and sexual offenders in prison for longer means they won’t be out on the streets with the opportunity to commit crime. We owe it to victims to make this change.

“Punishment and rehabilitation are not opposites. We have to do both. Conservatives believe in offering a second chance to those who are ready to change. Prisons simply cannot be giant academies of crime. So we will do more to improve rehabilitation in prison, and support our probation services in their vital work to supervise and resettle former prisoners.”

Ms Patel is expected to emphasise the new hardline approach in her own speech later on Tuesday.

She will tell the Tory faithful: ”As we renew our place as the party of law and order in Britain, let the message go out from this hall today: to the British people – we hear you; to the police service – we back you; and to the criminals, I simply say this: We are coming after you.”