The Labour Party-controlled British government’s early release scheme has freed 70,000 prisoners, resulting in more than 50,000 recalls for release condition violations, raising concerns about public safety.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: More than 50,000 prisoners freed under the Labour-controlled British government’s early release scheme have been recalled for violations. 📺 DETAIL: According to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), as of March this year, 70,066 prisoners have been released in England and Wales as part of the Labour government’s early release scheme. Under the scheme, prisoners are eligible for release after serving just 40 percent of their sentence and supposedly demonstrating good behavior in prison. This is down from the usual 50 percent required to be released early for most criminals. The scheme was implemented to tackle prison overcrowding and has since generated controversy, as it can be used by those found guilty of serious crimes, including sexual offenses. During the recorded period, 51,419 prisoners have been recalled for breaching the terms of their release. This constitutes a 28 percent increase in recalls from the 40,259 throughout the previous year. The MOJ has since admitted that the early release scheme is among the reasons for the spike in recalls. 🎯 IMPACT: The early release scheme continues to generate concerns regarding public safety. Critics have long argued that the scheme is too lenient, especially towards those who have committed serious offenses and likely remains threats to the wider community. While new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has since paused the scheme, its impact has significantly damaged the governing Labour Party’s credibility on criminal justice policy and reinforced the perception that the government treats criminals with a soft touch. 📺 FLASHBACK: Back in June, it was reported that up to 6,000 serious offenders, including killers and rapists, would be included among those released early as part of the scheme. “Once the MOJ starts writing to victims and saying this is what is happening, there will inevitably be individual victims who have suffered at the hands of an offender who will become very upset,” said Tom Wheatley, President of the Prison Governors’ Association, a body representing the British prison service’s highest ranking officials. |
Image by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street.
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