Burnham says he will review early prisoner release scheme
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a review of the early prisoner release scheme following public criticism and concerns over prison overcrowding. The policy, intended to manage capacity, has faced backlash regarding the release of serious offenders.
Why it matters
The tension between prison capacity management and public safety remains a critical challenge for government policy and justice reform.
Image source, Reuters By Kate Whannel Political reporter Published 11 minutes ago Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will review the early prisoner release policy.
Speaking to reporters in Bath, he said: "I can't say that I can change the policy completely, but I will look at it in detail before we go further forward."
He acknowledged that there was "pressure on prisons places" and that a failure to invest in the prison system in the past had created "an unacceptable situation".
Tens of thousands of inmates have been let out of prison to create more space in jails since September 2024.
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