New plans for early release of offenders as jails struggle with overcrowding
Over 1,000 inmates are set to be released early under emergency plans in England and Wales, as the system is “on the brink of collapse”, according to the justice secretary.
Shabana Mahmood announced that offenders serving sentences of one to four years who were recalled to prison for breaching their licence conditions will now be released after 28 days, rather than awaiting parole review.
She warned that without action, prisons for adult men would run out of capacity by November.
The change will apply only to offenders recalled for breaches like missing curfews or appointments—not those who have committed new crimes. Ordinarily, such individuals would face parole board review, but delays in assessments have prompted the government to bypass that step.
The change excludes those who pose a high risk or have committed serious further offences.
“Even with a £4.7 billion investment to build more prisons, we cannot build our way out of this crisis,” she said. The funding will support construction of three new prisons over five years starting in 2026.
Work on a new site near HMP Gartree in Leicestershire will begin this year. HMP Millsike, near York, has already opened.
However, the Prison Officers Association expressed concern, arguing that new buildings alone won’t solve the crisis. Chairman Mark Fairhurst said funds should instead bolster probation services, mental health facilities, and community-based alternatives.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) revealed the number of recalled prisoners has risen to 13,583 out of a total population of 88,087—just 1,355 spaces short of the operational capacity. The prison population is projected to grow to between 95,700 and 105,200 by March 2029.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick criticized the plan, saying it puts public safety at risk. “To govern is to choose, and today she’s chosen to release early criminals who’ve breached their licences,” he said.
Victims’ advocates have raised alarm. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs warned it could endanger lives, especially given how often abusers violate protective orders.
“You are not sent to prison for four years unless you pose a serious risk,” she said. “Releasing such individuals after 28 days is unacceptable.”
Last year, more than 16,000 prisoners were released early—after serving 40% of their sentences instead of 50%—to prevent overcrowding. That scheme also excluded serious offenders.
Unless otherwise linked, headlines are front pages on 15.05.2025
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Daily Mail
Prisoners to be released after serving just a third of their sentences under new plans
