UK Announces Emergency Prison Overcrowding Measures

The UK government, led by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, has announced emergency measures to address a severe prison overcrowding crisis that threatens to collapse the criminal justice system. Starting in September, prisoners in England and Wales will be eligible for early release after serving 40% of their sentences, down from the current 50%, with exemptions for serious violent, sexual, and domestic abuse offenders. This policy aims to prevent courts from halting and police from being unable to detain suspects due to lack of space. The government will also recruit 1,000 probation officers to manage the early release program. Mahmood emphasized that this is a temporary measure to avert an immediate disaster, and prisoners released under the scheme will be strictly monitored. The Prison Governors’ Association supports the swift action but stresses the need for long-term solutions to prevent future crises.