UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour released 26,000+ prisoners early, including those serving 10+ years, to reduce overcrowding but faces backlash over “soft justice” claims.
As reported by The Telegraph, Labour has reportedly released prisoners serving sentences of over 10 years early, raising questions about the early release scheme.
How many prisoners has Labour released early to ease overcrowding?
Under a scheme to tackle overcrowding, 248 prisoners serving 14 years or more and 490 serving between 10 and 14 years have been released early. Sources report that 26,000 prisoners have been freed early since UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took office.
Following last year’s general election, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to release prisoners early to prevent a “total collapse” of the justice system.
The early release program does not apply to inmates jailed for sexual crimes, terrorism, or serious violence with sentences exceeding four years. The figures cover the period from September, when early releases began, until March.
Around 3,500 prisoners are being released early each month. At this rate, nearly 40,000 inmates could be freed by the end of this month.
A Conservative government scheme freed 13,325 offenders early over 11 months, about a third of Labour’s current release rate. Those prisoners were released up to 70 days early.
Following the scheme launch, 3,785 prisoners were freed in September and 5,366 in October, including some backdated releases. On average, 3,461 inmates have been released early each month, bringing the total to 26,456 by the end of March.
What did Robert Jenrick say about Labour’s early release scheme?
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said,
“The public are sick of soft justice. Instead of introducing emergency measures to let criminals out early, Starmer should change our broken human rights law so we can deport the thousands of foreign offenders clogging up our jails. These shocking statistics explain why Britain feels lawless.”
What did the Ministry of Justice say about prison overcrowding?
A Ministry of Justice spokesman stated,
“This Government inherited prisons days from collapse and had no choice but to take decisive action to stop prisons overflowing and leave police unable to make arrests.”
They added,
“Public protection is our number one priority. Offenders out on licence face strict conditions and will be brought back to prison if they break these rules. We are building 14,000 prison places and reforming sentencing so jails never run out of space again.”
Labour’s plan for reducing prison overcrowding
Prisoners could be released after serving 40% of their sentence, except for violent, sexual, or terrorist offenders.
The government will speed up the construction of 20,000 new prison places by bypassing local delays. Over 1,000 new probation officers will also be recruited to help cut reoffending.
Labour also plans to give community sentences for minor crimes, focusing on rehabilitation. Foreign prisoners will be deported after serving 30% of their sentence instead of 50%.
What did Robert Jenrick say about Starmer’s approach to foreign offenders?
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, stated,
“In Starmer’s topsy-turvy world, investors are fleeing the country in their droves while record numbers of violent and sexual offenders from abroad are put up in our prisons. It’s a farce.”
He said,
“Yet again, Starmer has refused to confront our broken human rights laws. He needs to grow a backbone and change them so we can actually deport these individuals. The safety of the British public is infinitely more important than the ‘rights’ of sick foreign criminals.”
Mr Jenrick added,
“If countries won’t take back their nationals, Starmer should suspend visas and foreign aid. His soft-touch approach isn’t working.”
What did Shabana Mahmood say about deporting foreign criminals?
Shabana Mahmood pledged that foreign offenders who “abuse our hospitality” will be deported immediately after conviction.
She said,
“When foreign nationals commit a serious crime, the appropriate punishment is clear to me: they must be sent packing.”
Ms Mahmood added,
“For too long, victims have watched on as those who harmed them not only completed their sentences here, but in many cases were then allowed to remain indefinitely, with many going on to re-offend. From now on, that will change. Foreign nationals who are given a prison sentence will automatically face deportation.”