Justice Secretary Alex Norris has apologised to families affected by the early release scheme, saying they were "carrying the can from previous failures". Families, including a man whose pregnant partner died after being hit by a speeding driver, criticised the prisoner early release scheme, saying it comes "at the expense of victims". Justice Secretary Alex Norris also warned a prison capacity crisis would be likely if fewer prisoners were allowed early release. His family previously said they had received a letter from the Ministry of Justice confirming that two of the offenders could be included in the early release scheme. Other families have also criticised the early release scheme.