Brief
UK government begins first wave of expanded early‑release scheme
Around 5,000 inmates will be freed over the next year as ministers adjust the scheme after public backlash.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Hundreds of prisoners are due to be released on Thursday, Oct. 1, as the UK government launches the first phase of its expanded early‑release scheme, Standard reported.
The scheme aims to free up to 5,000 inmates in stages over the coming year, down from an earlier target of 6,000, after ministers excluded rapists and the most serious child‑sex offenders. Prison numbers in England and Wales stood at 87,499 on Monday, up 2% from June, according to Ministry of Justice data.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris apologised to victims after the plan was altered following criticism of earlier proposals that would have allowed Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole – convicted of PC Andrew Harper’s manslaughter – early release. The expansion is enabled by the 2026 Sentencing Act, which lets ministers reduce the release point from 40% to a third of a fixed‑term sentence.
Since its launch in September 2024, the scheme has already seen 70,066 releases, with prison populations falling sharply before rising again in recent weeks.
Key facts
- Hundreds of prisoners will be released on Oct. 1 as the first wave of the expanded early‑release scheme. (standard.co.uk)
- The scheme targets up to 5,000 releases over the next year, reduced from an earlier 6,000 target. (standard.co.uk)
- Rapists, child‑sex offenders and those convicted of manslaughter, including the killers of PC Andrew Harper, are excluded. (standard.co.uk)
- England and Wales prison population was 87,499 on Monday, a 2% rise since June 29. (standard.co.uk)
- The 2026 Sentencing Act allows ministers to lower the release point from 40% to a third of a sentence. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Hundreds of prisoners to walk free as expanded early release scheme begins”
