Thousands of criminals could be released early under government sentencing reform, Tories say

The Conservative Party has proposed amendments to the Sentencing Bill, aiming to keep serious offenders incarcerated for longer periods. They claim that the government's proposed reforms could lead to thousands of criminals being released early. The proposed changes aim to prevent the automatic early release of offenders convicted of certain serious crimes, including murder, rape, and other violent or sexual offenses. The Conservatives argue that the current system allows for the premature release of dangerous individuals, posing a threat to public safety. The government's sentencing reform bill aims to overhaul the criminal justice system, including the introduction of new sentencing guidelines and the abolition of the automatic release of some offenders at the halfway point of their sentences. However, the Conservative Party believes these reforms do not go far enough in protecting the public from repeat offenders. The debate over the Sentencing Bill highlights the ongoing discussions around balancing rehabilitation, public safety, and the appropriate punishment for serious crimes.