A Carmarthenshire MP has quizzed the Prime Minister on the controversial prisoner early release scheme which has left one local family distressed.

Ann Davies MP and Nerys Evans MS have welcomed the announcement made by Prime Minister Andy Burnham that those convicted of death by dangerous driving will be exempt from the early prison release scheme.

The decision follows sustained campaigning by Ann Davies MP and Nerys Evans MS on behalf of Lisa Jones, whose husband, Aaron Jones from Llanpumpsaint, was killed in December 2024.

Both representatives have been working closely with Lisa to raise concerns about the impact that an early release could have on victims' families and public confidence in the justice system.

On Wednesday, 2 September, during Andy Burnham's first PMQs, Ann Davies MP asked: "I welcome the Prime Minister’s exemption of offences including death by dangerous driving for early prison release - but it comes after months of anguish for bereaved families like my constituent Lisa Jones, whose husband Aaron was killed on the 23rd of December, 2024. Will the Prime Minister now apologise to victims and families put through significant distress throughout this process – and can he assure them that unlike the Labour precedent, there will be no government U-turn?

Andy Burnham answered: "Can I start by paying tribute to the honourable lady for the way in which she has represented the family - the Jones family - and can I say I do understand their anguish and that of many other families who found themselves in their position.

“I listened to what they were saying. I came in and asked for changes to the early release scheme, and we excluded rape grooming and child sex offences.

“But hearing those voices I wasn't satisfied, and I pushed the system to go further, and as a result of that we are going further and excluding death by dangerous driving and other manslaughter offences. “So, I hope now she can give that certainty to the family - give them also my best wishes I believe we're coming to the right position, and I can assure her that the Justice Secretary will be on top of this situation so that we ensure we are never in this position again."

Nerys Evans MS said: "We welcome the Prime Minister's assurances, and they will come as a huge relief to Lisa and to many other families who have suffered the devastating consequences of dangerous driving. Throughout this process, the uncertainty and U-turns have had a profound impact on victims' loved ones. As we have argued before, victims' welfare should be at the forefront of any decision made in relation to prisoner release.”

Ann Davies continuted: "I am pleased that the concerns raised by Lisa and by families across Wales and England have been listened to. Victims and their families deserve confidence that the justice system reflects the seriousness of these offences."

“Nerys and I have been proud to support Lisa and the community of Llanpumsaint during a challenging few months, and we hope this decision provides some reassurance to families who have already endured unimaginable loss."