Grooming gang victims are among those who have mistakenly received letters about the early release of their perpetrators, the UK home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has confirmed. During a meeting with the Home Affairs committee, she explained that the Ministry of Justice had sent out a "series of letters" incorrectly as part of the government’s plans to release some prisoners before they complete their full sentences. This has caused significant concern and fear among victims. The issue has drawn attention after claims that Fiona Goddard, a survivor of grooming gangs and an active campaigner, received a letter suggesting that her perpetrator would be released early. Responding to questions from Conservative MP Robbie Moore, Ms. Mahmood clarified that Ms. Goddard had received a letter regarding a perpetrator, but it was not related to an early release. She assured the committee that the Ministry of Justice was working to correct the situation and that the new Lord Chancellor was focused on ensuring that victims receive proper apologies and clear information about their cases. The Independent has reached out to the Ministry of Justice for a formal response. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced considerable criticism over the government’s decision to allow some prisoners to be released earlier than previously planned, as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales. Under the current scheme, some prisoners may be released after serving 40 percent of their fixed-term sentence, rather than the usual 50 percent. A new law, the Sentencing Act 2026, further reduces the threshold for early release to one-third of a sentence. However, after public backlash, the prime minister announced that those convicted of serious crimes like rape, child sexual offenses, and grooming would no longer be eligible for early release. Additional exclusions were later added, including offenses such as manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving. When asked if he would apologize to victims and their families for the distress caused by the early release plans, Mr. Burnham acknowledged their anguish and said he listened to their concerns. He explained that he had pushed for further changes to the early release scheme, leading to the exclusion of more serious offenses. He expressed hope that this would provide certainty to victims and their families and assured them that the Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, would ensure such situations do not occur again.