The UK government has released a second batch of 1,000 prisoners early as part of its efforts to address chronic overcrowding in jails ¹. This move follows the earlier release of 1,700 prisoners last month, sparking controversy over the policy.
Key Points:
- Early Release Scheme: Non-violent offenders who comply with conditions are released after serving 40% of their sentence, instead of the usual 50% ¹.
- Prison Population: Currently around 89,000, with 90% of those sentenced to custody being reoffenders, and rising by 4,500 annually .
- Review of Sentencing: Aims to explore alternatives to incarceration, including “nudge” technology and home detention curfews.
- Government Response: Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood attributes the crisis to the previous Conservative government, citing a prison system on the brink of “collapse” .
Former Justice Secretary David Gauke, chairing the review, advocates for abolishing jail terms of six months or less, except for violent and sexual crimes, citing high reoffending rates ¹. The review seeks to create a sustainable justice system for the 21st century.
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