A GB News guest who has worn an electronic ankle tag has said the device proved Andy Burnham's early release scheme was a "big mistake," as the programme discussed around 700 prisoners who have refused to be tagged.
The scheme, introduced under the Conservative government and which saw 10,000 prisoners released between 2023 and 2024, was expanded by Sir Keir Starmer's Sentencing Act to address the ongoing capacity crisis. With roughly 700 male prisoners due to be released on Thursday, many have spoken out against being fitted with monitoring devices.
Serco will not force tags
Addressing the situation on GB News, guest David Shipley revealed: "Even if they say no, the people from Serco, who turn up to fit the tag, will not force it onto their ankles."
Presenter Ellie Costello abruptly questioned: "What's the point in them then?"
Personal experience with tags
Before sharing his own experience, David admitted: "This is generally my position. The issue with tags is, in theory, supposed to be a mechanism for controlling people outside of prison, and I think a lot of us imagine this big centre where all the tags are being managed; nothing like that happens at all."
The discussion comes as the early release scheme faces scrutiny over its implementation and the refusal of some prisoners to comply with tagging conditions.
