Burnham’s review of prison early release scheme is causing chaos, says union
The UK government has paused an early release scheme for prisoners following public outcry and concerns from victims' groups. Officials are now conducting an urgent review to balance prison capacity issues with public safety.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the ongoing crisis in the UK prison system and the political difficulty of managing capacity while maintaining public trust.
The early release scheme due to start in September involves prisoners being monitored with electronic tags. Photograph: Andrew Aitchison/Corbis/Getty The early release scheme due to start in September involves prisoners being monitored with electronic tags. Photograph: Andrew Aitchison/Corbis/Getty Prisons and probation Prisoner early release scheme paused by Andy Burnham may still go ahead Probation union and crime victims had raised doubts over plan to free 6,000 offenders across England and Wales
Prefer the Guardian on Google An early release scheme for thousands of prisoners paused by Andy Burnham after an outcry from victims could still take place this autumn, despite warnings by probation officers of potential chaos.
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