The UK government has significantly expanded its early prisoner release scheme in response to mounting pressure on the country's overcrowded prison system. The controversial move, approved by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, allows inmates to be freed up to 70 days before their scheduled release date - nearly doubling the previous 35-day limit.
Growing Crisis in UK Prisons
With prison populations reaching critical levels, justice officials warn the system could run out of space within weeks. The Ministry of Justice reports current occupancy at 99.6% capacity, with just 557 available spaces remaining across England and Wales.
How the Early Release Scheme Works
- Low-risk offenders serving sentences under four years eligible
- Excludes violent, sexual and terrorist-related crimes
- Released prisoners remain under supervision
- Electronic monitoring required where appropriate
Political Fallout and Public Safety Concerns
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, with Labour's shadow justice secretary calling it "a sign of complete failure" in prison management. Victim support groups have expressed alarm about potential risks to public safety.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk defended the measures, stating: "We will always protect the public by locking up the most dangerous criminals while using alternatives sensibly for lower-level offenders."
Long-Term Solutions Proposed
The government has announced plans to:
- Create 20,000 new prison places by 2025
- Expand electronic monitoring programmes
- Increase community sentencing options
Experts warn that without fundamental reforms, temporary measures like early release will become permanent fixtures in an overstretched justice system.
