Official announcements from the UK Government or Ministry of Justice

UK Government Begins Early Release of 1,700 Prisoners Due to Overcrowding, Approved by Sunak

Sep 10, 2024, 08:06 AM

The UK government has initiated the early release of 1,700 prisoners due to overcrowding in jails. The decision, approved by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak just days before the upcoming general election, has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that the early release program may lead to a wave of reoffending and fail to address the underlying issues within the prison system. Former Met Police detective Peter Bleksley criticized politicians for their lack of foresight in failing to build more jails. The Ministry of Justice suggested that the measure was urgent and would have been necessary regardless of which party was in power. Live feeds from prisons like Wormwood Scrubs and HMP Wandsworth show prisoners being released, with mixed reactions from the public and officials. Probation chiefs warn that one in three released prisoners is likely to reoffend, while some ex-prisoners vow not to return to jail. The body representing 95% of prison governors in England & Wales had warned that jails would run out of space within days.