Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces a pause on an early release scheme for some prisoners and orders an urgent review of the plan, according to reports. The move is presented as a response to concerns about public safety. The Evening Standard quotes Burnham saying “keeping the public safe” is his “top priority.” The BBC reports that Burnham directs the government to urgently review the approach before any further implementation. The programme has been linked to addressing prison overcrowding and was originally set up by the Labour government. Recent criticism is highlighted in coverage, including comments from the widow of police officer Andrew Harper and other relatives, who argue the plan is unacceptable or insufficiently protective of victims and the public. Other outlets also report reactions to the pause, including supportive views that the action is a “good start” but that further steps are needed. Overall, multiple sources agree that the pause is underway pending a review, while the scheme’s origin, the public-safety rationale, and criticism from victims’ families are central elements of the reporting.