Kemi Badenoch erupts over new grooming gangs scandal - 'Now we know the truth'
Kemi Badenoch: Labour's betrayal of grooming gang survivors is 'mockery of justice'
'Survivors of rape, child grooming, sexual assault and violence have woken up to letters saying the men responsible could be walking out of prison early'
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Add us as preferred source Comments ANALYSIS By Kemi Badenoch 16:56, Thu, Jun 18, 2026 Updated: 17:00, Thu, Jun 18, 2026 
Prison works and those found guilty of the very worst crimes should be given the toughest sentences.
Yet, earlier this year, Keir Starmer’s government made changes to our sentencing laws that means thousands of criminals will be let out of prison earlier than planned.
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As a result of these changes, a majority of criminals will now only serve a third of their full prison sentence. This is a total mockery of justice and a deep insult to victims.
When introducing these plans, Labour ministers repeatedly assured Parliament that those convicted of the most serious crimes would not be eligible.
The Conservatives weren’t convinced, so we forced a vote in Parliament to make sure criminals like rapists would not be let out earlier.
In response, Labour and the Liberal Democrats opposed us, claiming that it wasn’t necessary.
Now we know the truth.
This week we have heard directly from a survivor of the grooming gangs scandal that the perpetrators of those heinous crimes could actually be released early.
Fiona Goddard, one of the bravest people I have ever met, received a letter from the Probation Service informing her about the potential early release of the monsters who abused her.
Fiona told me the assurances she and other victims were given were a lie. She’s right. But she isn’t alone.
Across Britain, the survivors of rape, child grooming, sexual assault and serious violence will have woken up to letters telling them that the men responsible for their abuse could now be walking out of prison potentially years earlier.
Those survivors have gone through the trauma of a trial, seen the perpetrators convicted, and are now having to prepare themselves for the horror of seeing those same vile individuals walking down the street.
This shouldn’t be happening. In fact, the Conservatives warned the Government when they were changing the law that this is exactly what would happen - but they didn’t listen.
In too many cases, the initial sentences for the grooming gangs perpetrators were far too short. I can’t imagine Daily Express readers would be in favour of shortening their sentences even further.
Not only is this a terrible experience for the victims, these dangerous individuals will be out on the streets again, putting more young girls and boys at risk.
The Conservatives believe in consequences. We believe that those who have committed some of the most horrific, vile crimes this country has seen should spend their lives behind bars.
It is not too late for the government to change course. I urge the Prime Minister to change his Bill to ensure that, at the very least, all rapists, paedophiles and child groomers are prevented getting earlier release.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
