As noted in the publication, in three decades the number of prisoners in England and Wales has doubled. This was due to the increase in the length of criminal sentences and a stricter focus on combating violence and drug-related crimes. As a result, one in three prisons was overcrowded.
Now the country’s leaders are going to release some of the prisoners early to “reduce the load on the prison network.” Those convicted of terrorism, sexual crimes or serious violent crimes will remain behind bars.
“This is a temporary measure,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s press secretary.
He clarified that only those prisoners whose detention period is coming to an end will be released early. But even after leaving prison, these citizens will be under strict judicial control and will wear electronic tags.