UK Faces Prison Overcrowding Crisis: Early Release Program Announced

The prison population in England and Wales hit a peak, prompting a new early release policy to tackle overcrowding. Current statistics show a significant incarceration rate, surpassing other European countries. The crisis emerged due to stricter sentencing and an unsuccessful building program. The early release plan aims to prevent system collapse.

The prison population in England and Wales reached a record high on Friday, as disclosed by the government, ahead of a planned early release initiative aimed at addressing overcrowding. Britain, with the highest incarceration rate in western Europe according to the World Prison Brief database, now faces a dire crisis.

Latest Ministry of Justice figures indicate the prison population stands at 88,521, an increase from 88,350 the previous week. This translates to nearly 150 prisoners per 100,000 population. Countries such as France, Spain, and Italy have incarceration rates about 25% lower, while Germany and the Netherlands have less than half. The U.S. has a significantly higher rate at 531 per 100,000.

Upon taking office in July, the new Labour government warned prisons could soon reach full capacity. Justice minister Shabana Mahmood called early release necessary to avert a breakdown in law and order. Prisons are currently overfilled, and the governors' body cautioned that soon offenders might have to be confined in police cells, straining officers and the judicial system.

"The new government inherited a justice system in crisis," a Ministry of Justice spokesperson declared on Friday. "The early release programme is crucial to prevent a meltdown that would incapacitate our ability to detain dangerous criminals and protect the public."

The summer saw further pressure as 1,300 arrests and around 200 incarcerations followed riots sparked by the killing of three girls in Southport. From September 10th, the early release policy, approved by parliament, will enable most prisoners to be freed after serving 40% of their sentences, down from 50%.

The government estimates around 5,500 offenders will be released between September and October. Those reoffending or violating release conditions will return to jail. Prisoners with serious violent offenses requiring four years or more are excluded from the scheme.

(With inputs from agencies.)