Prison Early Release Scheme

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 29 Sep

   Some 5,000 prisoners are scheduled to be released in stages over the next year, down from 6,000, after ministers intervened to exempt rapists and the most serious child sex offenders.

   3 outlets · Evening Standard
2. 30 Sep

   Dame Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, called the scheme "shameful" and said she's had "no assurance that the danger perpetrators pose has been properly considered and assessed with meaningful input from victims".

   2 outlets · BBC
3. 1 Oct

   The first wave of releases began on Thursday, with 700 criminals expected to be freed across the country.

   3 outlets · Evening Standard

Coverage 18 articles

• 4 Oct Clueless! Minister admits he has no idea how many freed inmates are taggedJustice Secretary Alex Norris admitted he does not know how many prisoners released early under Labour's scheme to reduce jail overcrowding have been fitted with electronic tags for monitoring their movements. When asked by the BBC about the number of tagged inmates, Norris stated it was too soon to provide an accurate figure since the release only began on Thursday. The admission comes amid concerns from some…Daily Mail
• 1 Oct The Morning Poll: Do you support the early release of criminals to ease prison overcrowding?Yesterday marked the beginning of Andy Burnham's early release scheme with about 700 criminals serving sentences up to 19 months being freed. The initiative aims to free more than 4,500 individuals by June 2027. The article invites readers to participate in a poll regarding their support for this measure.Daily Mail
• 1 Oct DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Releasing prisoners early is an unacceptable solution...your soft justice is a disgrace, PMA Daily Mail opinion piece criticizes Andy Burnham's decision to release prisoners early, arguing it will lead to increased crime and fear among citizens. The author claims that releasing 700 inmates initially, with tens of thousands more to follow, shows a disregard for public safety and highlights the prime minister’s failure to address growing concerns adequately. The article suggests alternative solutions like…Daily Mail
• 1 Oct Thugs in every postcode! Labour frees first of TEN tidal waves of convicts... there will be tens of thousands a year - and they will get nastier every monthYesterday, about 700 criminals were released early from jails across England and Wales under Labour’s new initiative. The Conservative Party warns this is just the beginning of a major expansion that could see up to 50,000 offenders freed annually under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's softer justice policies. The scheme will gradually include more serious offenders over the next few months, with those serving up to 12…Daily Mail
• 1 Oct 'This country is run by clowns': Outrage as domestic abusers are released early from prison by Labour as Jess Phillips admits there will be 'huge recalls' in the coming weeksA Labour government's early release scheme has led to the release of around 700 prisoners serving sentences up to 19 months, including domestic abusers and violent sex offenders. The plan aims to free over 4,500 inmates by June, sparking outrage among abuse survivors and critics who argue it undermines public safety. Rachel Williams, founder of Stand Up to Domestic Abuse, likened the situation to a circus run by…Daily Mail
• 1 Oct Hundreds of criminals start leaving prison under new early release schemeThe UK government has started releasing hundreds of criminals early from prisons in England and Wales to prevent facilities from reaching capacity. The first wave involved 700 inmates out of an expected total of 4,500 under the new scheme. Treasury minister James Murray defended the action as a necessary measure but acknowledged public concern and anger over the releases. Critics argue that the Probation Service…BBC
• 1 Oct Andy Burnham should 'hang head in shame' over prison early release scheme, says Reform London mayor candidateReform UK's London mayor candidate Laila Cunningham criticizes Labour MP Andy Burnham for the government's decision to release approximately 700 prisoners early from jails across England and Wales today, with an additional 2,000 expected to be freed over the next month. Cunningham argues that this undermines victims' safety, particularly in cases of domestic abuse. Labour MP Jess Phillips expresses doubts about the…Evening Standard
• 1 Oct 'Overcrowded' and 'set up to fail': Freed prisoners react to early release schemeThe BBC reports that around 700 prisoners across England and Wales are being released early under a government scheme designed to reduce overcrowding in prisons. Former inmates, including Michael Bogle from Wandsworth Prison and Matthew Johnson from Leeds Prison, describe harsh conditions inside, such as overcrowded cells and insufficient support for reintegration upon release. They highlight concerns about the lack…BBC
• 1 Oct ‘Thank you Andy Burnham’: Prisoners praise PM as they are freed early from jailPrisoners were released early from jails in London and other parts of the country on Thursday as part of a plan to ease prison overcrowding. Around 700 inmates, including some at HMP Brixton and HMP Wandsworth, were freed in the first wave of this controversial program. The Ministry of Justice stated that these offenders will be under “toughest supervision in British history,” with approximately 5,000 prisoners set…Evening Standard
• 1 Oct ‘Thank you Andy Burnham’: Prisoners praise PM as they are freed early from jailOn Thursday, 700 prisoners were released early across England as part of a larger plan to release up to 5,000 inmates over the next year. Prisoners exiting HMP Durham expressed gratitude towards Labour MP Andy Burnham for advocating this policy. However, some critics like Conservative shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy argue that public safety is at risk due to these releases. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)…Evening Standard

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