There is no reason whatsoever why the early release of criminals should include sex offenders and rapists

Soft justice LABOUR has so far shown a contempt for justice and the victims of crime. Yes, the Tories shamefully failed to build enough jails during their time in power. Early release of criminals to reduce prison overcrowding should not include sex offenders and rapists Credit: Getty Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s priority should always be to put public safety and victims first Credit: PA But there is no reason whatsoever why the early release of criminals to reduce prison overcrowding should include sex offenders and rapists. Why should the comfort of dangerous lags be a greater priority than those living with the everlasting consequence of violence? Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The appalling news that two thugs involved in the senseless killing of hero cop PC Andrew Harper could soon be freed was a wake up call. Andy Burnham was reported to have paused the whole system of emergency early release due to start in September. But the PM’s priority should always be to put public safety and victims first. Perhaps he could also end Home Office legal attempts to keep secret the nationalities of foreign criminals. Why should taxpayers’ money be used to keep them in the dark? Not only is that an affront to democracy. It will only add more fuel to dangerous accusations of two-tier justice. Most read in The Sun Andy’s armada THE first dozens of small boat migrants broke into Britain on Andy Burnham’s watch. We’ve heard precious little from our new Prime Minister about what he plans to do about illegal migration. So far tinkering around the edges — like the one-in-one-out scheme with France — has failed. There may be signs that French cops are finally starting to get tough on the beaches around Calais. But realistically, only the windy weather in the Channel has kept illegal migrants at bay in recent weeks. So will Burnham listen to an enraged public and be bold? Starting with looking again at a Rwanda-style deportation scheme so recklessly scrapped by his predecessor? Honest, guv ANDY Burnham yesterday promised he “would always be honest” with the nation. He could do with looking at his own tax and spending policies. It’s a sign of how unprepared for Government his team is that they have made a number of clearly unfunded promises in just the first two days. Burnham says he is “considering” raising income tax thresholds which will drag 500,000 workers into paying tax for the first time — and 400,000 more into higher brackets. Months of uncertainty lie ahead until Burnham makes up his mind before what will be another make or break Labour Budget in the Autumn. He would do better to end Rachel Reeves’s Jobs Tax that has driven up unemployment and killed growth.