The UK has introduced emergency measures to release some criminals from prison early and delay the start of some court hearings to prevent prison overcrowding, Reuters reports.
The prison population in England and Wales has doubled over the past 30 years as a result of the increase in criminal sentences. Authorities have also tightened their approach to tackling violent and drug offences.
Prime Minister’s spokesman Rishi Sunak said the early release will only apply to prisoners who are at the end of their sentences. They will be under strict surveillance, including electronic tagging.
Prisoners convicted of terrorism, sexual offences or serious violent offences will not be able to benefit from this measure. Prison wardens will have the power to prohibit the release of certain individuals, the spokesman said.
The government is releasing the prisoners early to relieve “short-term pressure on the prison estate,” the spokesperson said. “It is a temporary scheme.”
The Justice Ministry said on Wednesday it had initiated a measure under which detained accused who are denied bail can remain in police custody rather than in jail if there is no space available. The ministry said:
“We have initiated a previously used measure to securely transfer prisoners between courts and custody and ensure there is always a custody cell available should they be remanded.”
Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused Sunak in Parliament of issuing “get out of jail free cards” to criminals and questioned whether people convicted of domestic violence could get out early.
Prison population breaks records in Britain
The prison population in England and Wales hit a record high of 88,225 last summer, up 8 per cent from a year earlier. At the same time, the number of places available for use totalled 557, official figures show.
Three out of every five prisons overcrowded, meaning there were far more prisoners than there should be.
Sam Townend, chairman of the Bar Council, which represents the legal profession, said “this cannot go on” and “the government must show it is serious about criminal justice” by investing in prisons, courts and the whole system.
