In August 2021 John Humphreys was sentenced to 21 years for the historic rape of two underage boys. Under current legislation he might expect to be considered for release after 14 years (⅔ of his time).  

This week’s King’s speech, with its emphasis on crime and law and order (how ironic, Owl) puts this in doubt.

“Last year’s Police, Crime and Courts Act ended automatic early release for all sexual offences that carry a maximum life sentence, including rape and sexual assault of a child aged under 13.

It meant that those given a sentence of four years or more are now required to serve at least two-thirds of it before being considered for release.

But a Government source confirmed that ministers are now considering going further and ending any early release for the most serious sexual criminals.”

Source: Daily Mail

See also this explanatory paper:

King’s Speech 2023: Crime and justice – House of Lords Library 

“On 16 October 2023, Mr Chalk [Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice] announced that legislation would be introduced to ensure convicted rapists and other serious sexual offenders would spend their entire sentence in prison.[32] This would see offenders remaining in prison until the last day of their custodial term. The MoJ has not yet published further details about this proposal.”