UK to release up to 7,000 prisoners early under reforms

The British government will begin releasing thousands of prisoners, including some convicted of violent and sexual offences, in September to address severe prison overcrowding. The sentencing reforms, introduced by Justice Secretary David Lammy, are expected to affect between 5,000 and 7,000 inmates over the next nine months, with the first 700 set for release this fall.

Under the changes enacted through the Sentencing Act, offenders convicted of crimes such as manslaughter, assault, grievous bodily harm, and certain sex offences will become eligible for release after serving half of their sentences, reduced from the current requirement of two-thirds. Prisoners serving shorter sentences for offences like burglary, theft, and shoplifting could be released after serving just one-third of their term, provided they comply with prison rules and engage in rehabilitation programs.

The Ministry of Justice stated the measures are necessary to prevent the prison system from running out of space entirely, which officials warned would make it impossible for courts to send newly convicted offenders to prison and risk a complete breakdown of the criminal justice system. The government...