UK PM vows to strengthen prison sentences

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will toughen sentences for people convicted of violent crime and terrorism, such as the attacker who killed two people in London, if he wins a national election this month.

"We are going to bring in tougher sentences for serious sexual and violent offenders and for terrorists," the Conservative leader told the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday.

"I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action."

The UK justice system's handling of London Bridge attacker Usman Khan is the subject of political debate as the election approaches.

Khan, 28, had been let out of prison early after a terrorism conviction when he attended a "Learning Together" conference for ex-offenders, and used the event to stab two people to death and wound three others.

Police shot him dead after he flashed what seemed to be a suicide vest.

Khan was convicted in 2012 of terrorism offences and released in December 2018 "on licence," which means he had to meet certain conditions or face recall to prison.