Over recent months, I have warned that the Government's plans to release offenders earlier from prison would put victims at risk.
Following pressure from victims, campaigners and the Opposition, the Government has now changed course and announced that some of those convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming offences will no longer be included in the early release scheme.
That is welcome, but it doesn't go far enough.
Some child sex offenders who fall outside those exclusions are still set to benefit from earlier release. Those responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper also remain eligible for early release under the Government's plans.
Victims should never have had to face the uncertainty of wondering whether those who abused them, or those responsible for the deaths of their loved ones, would have their sentences cut short.
I'll continue pressing the Government to go further and ensure that dangerous offenders serve the sentences the courts intended, with victims' interests at the heart of our justice system.
