The British prison system is in crisis with overcrowded prisons and reports of riots.
Now, the government is introducing emergency measures and shortening the sentences of a large number of prisoners.
Those who previously could expect to be released on parole after serving 50 percent of their sentence will now be released after 40 percent of the time.
If we don't act now, we risk facing the collapse of the entire prison system. And law and order will completely break down, says Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood at a press conference outside Five Wells prison in Wellingborough.
She emphasizes that this is a crisis measure that will be reviewed in 18 months. According to BBC, the plan will be launched in September.
That the Labour government would take action was clear even before the election last week, when the previous government received harsh criticism for the mismanaged prison system, which became an election issue.
They handed over power and gave us a ticking time bomb, says Mahmood.
Prisoners convicted of serious violent crimes, sexual offenses, stalking, domestic violence, or controlling behavior are excluded from early release.
The measure is expected to free up almost 5,000 places in prisons. According to AFP, there are currently 87,505 people in British prisons, with only 1,450 cell spaces available.
