Conservative MPs in Devon vote against plan to keep abusers and murderers locked up

Last week, Conservative MPs across Devon voted against exempting 6 more offences from early prison release - including breaching stalking protection orders and sexual harm prevention orders, revenge porn, and even murder. 

The statutory instrument was meant to close loopholes in the government’s SDS40 early release scheme that saw perpetrators of these dangerous offenders released from prison early.

However, 99 Conservative MPs voted against the measures, which passed through the House of Commons with support from the Liberal Democrats.

It comes as the Liberal Democrats take further steps to protect victims of serious crime by closing loopholes in the early release scheme. 
Justice Spokesperson Josh Babarinde MP has tabled the Domestic Abuse (Aggravated Offences) Bill that would create a specific set of domestic abuse aggravated offences in the law.

If passed, this would lay down the groundwork to fully close the loophole where some domestic abusers are currently eligible for early prison release under SDS40 given the broad nature of the offence they are convicted of.

The party is campaigning for cross-party support for the bill ahead of its Second Reading in January. 

Commenting on the shocking vote, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, Steve Darling said: 

“The last Conservative government drove our prisons to breaking point. We are now seeing the consequences of their failures with the early release scheme - and victims, survivors and communities in Torbay who are paying the prices. 

"It adds insult to injury that the Conservatives have now voted against exempting more dangerous criminals from this early release scheme - including some stalkers and even murderers. 

 “Liberal Democrats will always stand up for victims and survivors of crime, even if the Conservatives won’t."