The UK Government’s decision to release thousands of prisoners early has led to a significant drop in the adult prison population in England and Wales. In just one week, over 2,000 inmates were released to free up space for new prisoners entering the system. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data revealed that the number of prisoners behind bars decreased from 88,521 to 86,333 last Friday, marking a 2% reduction.
Approximately 1,750 prisoners were granted early release on Tuesday, with an additional 438 individuals leaving under standard release terms across both nations. This shift means that English and Welsh prisons now have the capacity for 3,219 more inmates, bringing the operational capacity to 89,552. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended this move, which includes the early release of some convicted killers, attributing the action to previous government negligence that necessitated urgent measures.
The implemented policy, introduced by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood in July, temporarily reduces the portion of sentences certain inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40%. Although efforts have been made to exclude domestic abusers from early release, offenders convicted of violent crimes like threats to kill or actual bodily harm could still qualify for early freedom. Exceptions are made for terrorists and sex offenders, who will not be released early.
Despite the government’s assurances, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for reoffending among those released early. Charlie Taylor, the prisons watchdog, described the scheme as “risky” and warned of possible negative outcomes. In cases where released prisoners have no accommodation, temporary placement in taxpayer-funded hotels may be necessary if hostel spaces are insufficient.
The government is committed to reviewing these changes after an 18-month period to assess their impact. With the early release of criminals stirring controversy and facing criticism, the policy’s future implications remain uncertain. The mass exodus of inmates has ignited debates over public safety, reintegration support, and the effectiveness of measures to address the ongoing prison overcrowding crisis.