Early Release to Ease Prison Overcrowding
Tens of thousands of criminals may be set for early release under emergency measures to be approved by Sir Keir Starmer soon. This move aims to alleviate the pressure on Britain's overcrowded prisons.
Prison System Approaching Breaking Point
With only around 1,000 places left in the prison estate, the system is nearing capacity, and space could run out within weeks if action is not taken.
Proposed Changes in Release Criteria
Currently, prisoners are released halfway through their sentence with strict probation terms. The Justice Secretary is considering reducing this release threshold to 45, 43, or even as low as 40 percent of their sentence.
Exemptions and Further Restrictions
The proposed measures would not apply to serious sexual and terror offenders and would come with additional probation conditions. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce these emergency measures by the end of the week.
Government Response and Criticism
A government source cited the previous administration's handling of prisons as a crisis, leaving the current government to address the repercussions. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the Conservative government's approach, calling it irresponsible and damaging.
