UK re-releases inmates early to tackle prison overcrowding

The UK government is re-releasing some prisoners early to address overcrowding in jails. Over 1,000 inmates in England and Wales are being considered for this scheme, which bypasses the Parole Board and allows for quicker releases. Concerns have been raised by a probation officer about the safety of releasing offenders who may not be manageable in the community. The new policy allows re-releases even if inmates are under investigation for new offenses, as long as they are deemed low risk. The Ministry of Justice plans to open a new prison and expand existing facilities to alleviate overcrowding. However, reports indicate that prison capacity issues may persist, with forecasts suggesting a return to overcrowding by early 2026.