Sir Keir Starmer acknowledges early release
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that prisoners will still be freed early under a Labour government. This comes as the prime minister conceded that the current system allowing lags to be released up to 70 days before their official release date will remain unchanged.
Challenges in the prison system
Sir Keir described the current prison system as a 'mess' and highlighted the challenges of the system. He emphasized that the issue of too many prisoners and not enough prisons needs to be addressed, but it cannot be fixed overnight.
Response to prisons minister's statement
Sir Keir refused to distance himself from his prisons minister's statement that two in three inmates shouldn't be in jail. This has sparked debates on the approach towards crime and punishment under a potential Labour government.
Proposed solutions and changes
Labour has previously outlined plans to designate jails as sites of national importance, aiming to address the lack of prison infrastructure. The appointment of James Timpson, known for his work with ex-offenders, as prisons minister reflects a commitment to bringing about change in the system.
Addressing the root causes
Sir Keir emphasized the importance of providing support to individuals to prevent them from reoffending and getting trapped in the cycle of crime. Intervening early to address issues such as mental health and offering support can lead to more productive lives and reduce reoffending rates.
Early release scheme and overcrowding
The Ministry of Justice implemented an early release scheme to tackle prison overcrowding, allowing prisoners to be released before their official release dates. The increasing pressure on prison spaces has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current system.
