Officials have warned that changing the early release scheme to prevent the release of PC Andrew Harper's killers could lead to a wave of additional early releases within 18 months. The government is currently planning to release 5,000 prisoners to alleviate overcrowding, with Harper's killers scheduled for release in January.
Watch for potential legal challenges if the government attempts to create exemptions for specific offenders. The implications of overcrowding in prisons could lead to further early releases, affecting public safety and the political landscape ahead of the next election.