A poll asks whether the UK should build more prisons rather than releasing prisoners early, as some 6,000 criminals could be freed under the early prison release scheme. The Government has not ruled out whether killers, rapists and paedophiles will be exempt, raising concerns among MPs and the public.
Prison building plans
Former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in December that about 5,000 new prison places were under construction. His administration had set a target of creating 14,000 extra places, but not until 2031.
Family impact
Concerns have been heightened after the mother of police officer Andrew Harper said it felt like an “insult” that two of her son’s killers may be eligible for early release. PC Harper was 28 when he died responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 at the time, were handed 13 years for manslaughter in 2020. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirmed both might be eligible for release halfway through their sentences.
PC Harper’s mother Debbie Adlam told the Telegraph: “It makes me feel sick. Andrew’s life doesn’t get to come back. It feels like a slap in the face and an insult.”
Government stance
An MoJ spokesperson said: “This Government is committed to public safety: we are building prison places at the fastest rate since the Victorian era, and taking the difficult decisions needed to lock up the most dangerous offenders.” The Government insists that offenders deemed “the most dangerous” will not be eligible for early release, including those on extended determinate or life sentences.
