Shadow Justice Minister and Bexhill & Battle MP Dr Kieran Mullan led a forceful challenge in the House of Commons against the Government’s plan to release serious sexual offenders earlier from prison.
The Conservatives forced a vote on the issue and Dr Mullan exposed that Labour’s Sentencing Act 2026 could see thousands of dangerous offenders, including rapists, child abusers and grooming gang members - automatically released from September. These offenders represent some of the most serious and harmful criminals in the justice system.
The debate coincided with a visit to Parliament by victims of rape & child sexual exploitation, who watched proceedings from the public gallery. Throughout the day, Dr Mullan met with survivors, alongside MPs from across the House, to hear first-hand about the lifelong impact these horrific crimes have had on their lives.
More than 7,000 victims have now received letters telling them that the offenders responsible for harming them could be eligible for earlier release sometimes years earlier, causing understandable fear and distress.
In the Chamber, Dr Mullan paid tribute to their courage:
“They are talked about as victims. And they are victims. But they aren’t just victims. They are people with voices; voices they want us to hear.”
Many described receiving early release letters as devastating. Erin, who supported multiple police operations, said: “Hearing that the men who abused me may be released early has completely broken my sense of safety… our lives will be in direct danger.”
Another survivor, Fiona Goddard, explained the impact on her daily life: “I have barely left the house. I feel constantly anxious, frightened and unsafe.
Dr Mullan criticised Ministers for repeatedly failing to answer basic questions about the policy, including how many serious sexual offenders will be eligible for early release and for repeatedly claiming the most serious offenders would be excluded, describing it as “appalling” that victims of crimes like rape have been categorised as not the most serious of offences. He also challenged the Government's claim that the releases were earned through good behaviour when in fact they are actually automatic.
Jessica, whose abusers were convicted in 2022, described the effect of the news: “I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I wake up crying, looking around my house at all hours of the morning to make sure no one is there.”
The Conservative motion called on the Government to immediately exempt offenders convicted of sexual offences against adults and children from automatic early release. For the first time since winning office, the Government did not try to force its MPs to vote in favour of the early releases after dozens made it clear they would not support it and most Labour MPs abstained. A handful voted with the Conservatives. The vote passing puts the pressure on the Government to now change their policy or face a future vote and rebellion.
Commenting on the debate and vote Dr Kieran Mullan MP said:
It was astounding to see the courage of the women that came to Parliament today to speak to MPs about how these planned early releases are going to impact on them. I am determined to stop these vile criminals from getting out a day earlier than they were supposed to. The government's claim that the most serious offenders wouldn’t get out early is now in tatters. But sadly, we have a government in chaos. It has lost the vote, it doesn’t have the support of its MPs but says it is carrying on with the policy regardless. We will have to keep up the pressure, and we will work with MPs of any Party to force a change.”
