650 prisoners to be released early under new scheme

Around 650 prisoners are scheduled for early release on Tuesday, marking the third phase of the government's expanded scheme aimed at reducing overcrowding. Those eligible are serving sentences ranging from approximately two years and five months (882 days) to three years and two months (1,163 days). This initiative allows individuals serving fixed-term sentences to be released after serving one-third of their time, rather than half, unless their offence is exempt.

The Ministry of Justice data showed the prison population in England and Wales was 86,982 on Monday. The early release programme is being implemented in stages, with a total of approximately 5,000 prisoners expected to be freed over the next year. This number was reduced from an initial projection of 6,000 after ministers decided to exempt certain categories of offenders.

Exemptions and Supervision

Offenders convicted of serious crimes are not included in this early release scheme. Specifically excluded are those found guilty of rape, the most serious child sex offences, manslaughter, terrorism, and murderers serving life sentences. Government officials stated that there is a presumption that all prisoners released early will be fitted with GPS tags by contractor Serco. Some of the most serious offenders will also face enhanced supervision, with tighter restrictions on their movements.

Concerns Over Capacity

Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Jess Brown-Fuller raised concerns about the government's prison capacity projections. She stated that the government's own figures indicate a narrow margin of spare places. Brown-Fuller warned that any delays in planned construction or issues with existing facilities could lead to further early releases. She urged the Justice Secretary to rule out additional early release schemes.