Official report or statement from the UK Ministry of Justice

UK Releases 1,100 Prisoners Early After Serving 40%; Gauke to Lead Sentencing Review

Oct 22, 2024, 08:20 AM

The UK government has announced a sentencing review and released over 1,100 prisoners early to ease overcrowding in jails in England and Wales. Some inmates, who have served just 40% of their sentences, were released under the scheme. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood launched the review to address what she describes as a prison system "on the brink of collapse," inherited from the previous Conservative government. She stated, "We cannot build our way out of this crisis." Former Justice Secretary David Gauke will lead the independent review, aiming to expand punishments outside prison, including community sentences and "virtual prisons" under house arrest. The early release scheme has sparked controversy, with some prisoners celebrating their release in luxury cars, and one inmate shouting "big up Keir Starmer" upon release. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman said the PM "shares the public’s anger at these scenes."