Cells for arrested offenders may run out without early prison release, says Labour
Summary
A government minister said that without releasing some prisoners early, there may not be enough cells for newly arrested people in England and Wales. The early release plan aims to reduce prison overcrowding, but critics worry it may affect victims of serious crimes.Key Facts
- The early release scheme would shorten the time some prisoners spend in custody, with the rest served in the community.
- The women and equalities minister said the most serious offenders will not be released early.
- The prison system faces a capacity crisis that could leave no space for people arrested for serious crimes.
- Families of homicide victims want those convicted of manslaughter excluded from the scheme.
- The minister blamed the previous Conservative government for not increasing prison capacity.
- The scheme is a response to a prison overcrowding problem in England and Wales.
- Recent government measures began in March to try to avoid a crisis but were not expected to fully solve the problem.
- Changes under the Sentencing Act aim to fix the prison capacity issue long-term.
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