The government plans to stop releasing the most serious violent and sexual offenders after they have served half their sentence.
Currently almost all offenders are released after having served only half of their sentence in prison under laws brought in 2005.
But under proposals announced by the Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, those offenders will be required to serve two-thirds of their sentence behind bars arguing that "release should be earned" rather than an automatic right.
The change will affect offenders guilty of violent and sexual crimes carrying a maximum sentence of life including manslaughter, rape and GBH and who are sentenced to at least four years in prison, will no longer be released early half way through their sentence but instead will be required to serve two thirds of that sentence in prison.
On release, they will be subject to licence conditions and will be recalled to prison if they break them.
Mr Buckland will say: "keeping the most dangerous violent and sexual offenders in prison for longer means they won’t be out on the streets with the opportunity to commit crime. We owe it to victims to make this change."
It is part of the review of sentencing ordered by the Prime Minister last month.
The Tories argue that release at two-thirds strikes a better balance between proper punishment, public protection, and a phased return to the community.
Robert Buckland will tell Conservative Party Conference in his speech on Tuesday: “We’re going to restore faith in the sentencing system. Because we Conservatives believe release should be earned.
“And that’s why, for the most serious violent and sexual offenders, I’m announcing this Conservative Government will abolish automatic early release at the halfway point.
"These criminals will be required to serve two-thirds of their sentence behind bars.
“Because keeping the most dangerous violent and sexual offenders in prison for longer means they won’t be out on the streets with the opportunity to commit crime. We owe it to victims to make this change.
“Punishment and rehabilitation are not opposites. We have to do both. Conservatives believe in offering a second chance to those who are ready to change. Prisons simply cannot be giant academies of crime. So we will do more to improve rehabilitation in prison, and support our probation services in their vital work to supervise and resettle former prisoners.”
