The UK government will release over 1,000 inmates early to tackle the growing prison overcrowding crisis. This decision comes amid warnings that England and Wales could run out of male prison spaces by November.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained the new measure targets inmates serving between one and four years. These prisoners, recalled for breaching licence conditions such as curfews, will now be released after 28 days.
She stressed that the prison overcrowding crisis cannot be solved by construction alone. Although three new prisons are planned, the justice secretary admitted it will take years to ease pressure through new facilities.
Mahmood confirmed that a £4.7 billion capital investment will fund construction over five years, beginning in 2026. One site near HMP Gartree in Leicestershire will see work begin later this year. Additionally, HMP Millsike near York has already opened.
She also clarified that this early release scheme excludes those deemed high-risk or those who commit serious new offences. However, parole board reviews will be skipped for qualifying prisoners. Officials argue delays in assessments have created unnecessary backlogs.
According to the Ministry of Justice, current usable capacity sits at 89,442. The prison population now stands at 88,087—just 1,355 spaces short of capacity. Without immediate action, the prison overcrowding crisis could overwhelm the system within months.
Amy Rees, the interim permanent secretary, confirmed that England is on track to exhaust all adult male prison capacity by November. Government analysis suggests the population could rise to over 105,000 by March 2029.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick criticised the decision. He claimed the move prioritises convenience over public safety and undermines trust. Meanwhile, the Prison Officers Association warned that building alone won’t solve systemic failures.
Chairman Mark Fairhurst argued that the government must also modernise outdated facilities and expand mental health services. He urged greater investment in probation and stronger community sentences.
Victims and advocates also expressed concerns. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs stated the plan risks public safety. She highlighted how recalled domestic abusers still pose threats to their victims.
She argued that releasing them after just 28 days ignores the serious risks they present. One victim described the decision as outrageous and deeply unfair to those harmed.
Mahmood noted that an independent sentencing review led by David Gauke will propose reforms soon. That review may support community-based sentencing to ease reliance on imprisonment.
This marks the second time in a year the government has resorted to early releases. Between September and December last year, over 16,000 prisoners were released early under a separate scheme.
The government remains under intense pressure to find lasting solutions before the crisis deepens.
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