The Government has announced significant changes to planned prison release reforms, confirming that offenders convicted of rape, serious child sexual abuse, and organised grooming offences will be excluded from earlier release arrangements. Andy Burnham said the decision followed an urgent review after concerns raised by victims and their families. While other sentencing reforms will proceed from October to help address severe prison overcrowding, ministers stressed that the most dangerous offenders will remain in custody for their existing terms. The government also unveiled tougher supervision for offenders released into the community, including expanded GPS monitoring, longer probation oversight, stricter licence conditions, and stronger management of those linked to organised child sexual exploitation. An additional £10 million will fund enhanced victim support, including a national helpline and improved communication with victims. Ministers acknowledged that years of under-investment have left prisons close to capacity but said public safety and victims’ confidence would remain central as wider reforms are implemented alongside a major prison-building programme. See