A senior government minister has defended plans to release thousands of prisoners early in England and Wales to ease severe overcrowding in jails, arguing that without the scheme, cells could quickly run out of space for newly arrested individuals. The controversial measure has drawn sharp criticism from domestic abuse charities, bereaved families, and probation officers, who question its safety and effectiveness. The minister emphasized that the government would not have had to consider early releases if the previous administration had invested in expanding prison capacity. Critics, however, remain unconvinced, highlighting concerns over public safety and the potential risks of releasing offenders prematurely.
Bridget Phillipson says government would not have to consider releasing prisoners early if Tories had created more capacityCells to hold newly arrested people could run out without the early prison release scheme, a minister has said.Bridget Phillipson defended the plan to address the prison capacity crisis in England and Wales by releasing thousands of prisoners early, which has been criticised by domestic abuse charities, bereaved families and probation officers among others. Continue reading...
