British prisons begin early release of offenders to reduce overcrowding

Sam Hancock
Live Page Editor

Thousands of offenders will be released early from prisons in England and Wales today as part of a government programme to reduce prison overcrowding.

The trigger was the new Labour government a few days after the general election in July, but those responsible had already started drawing up the plan when the Conservatives were still in power.

About 1,700 prisoners are scheduled to be released today – more than would normally be released in a week.

The rule would allow prisoners to be released after serving 40 percent of their sentence – instead of the usual 50 percent – to free up 5,500 beds. However, it does not apply to prisoners convicted of sexual offenses, terrorism, domestic violence or certain violent crimes.

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