Bedfordshire’s Labour Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard is taking a victory lap after he “secured £195,000 from the Ministry of Justice” to support victims affected by the early release of prisoners. The cash exists only because Labour’s Sentencing Act 2026 now lets offenders out after a third of their time behind bars. The Justice Secretary told the Commons the scheme comes with an £18.9 million victim support package, including a free helpline for anyone affected…
Tizard said:
“I am pleased that the government has recognised that some victims of crimes committed by those prisoners on the early release scheme will want support and reassurance… Whilst I acknowledge the pressures facing the prison system and support the government’s programme of early release where appropriate, I want victims to feel safe, supported and confident that their concerns are being taken seriously.”
“Secured” is also a stretch seeing as the MoJ is handing every police force area the same flat £195,000, spread over three financial years from 2026/27 to 2028/29. That works out at about £65,000 per year. York and North Yorkshire got the identical sum earlier. Labour’s West Midlands PCC Simon Foster called the flat-rate model “deeply regrettable, inexcusable and unfair”. Sort out your lines, guys…
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy tells Guido:
“Labour are now using taxpayer money to protect people from their own policies. This is nothing for the PCC to boast about, it is a shocking admission that Labour’s dangerous early release scheme is a threat to public safety… The best way to protect victims is to keep their attackers locked up rather than let them out early.”
Victims’ helpline here – please hold…
Burnham spinning like a wheel in the Commons:
“I will very much say so on the record… It was legitimate. I have always respected the result. I have never questioned its legitimacy. But I am within my rights to point out where foreign actors are looking to interfere in British democracy.”