SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Shorter sentences for British prisoners

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 proportion of prisoners.

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:50

» Published: 12 July 2024

Shorter sentences for British prisoners
Photo: Thomas Krych/AP/TT

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.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

The Rain in Valencia Decides the Next EU Leadership
1 MIN READ

The Rain in Valencia Decides the Next EU Leadership

The West wants to punish Iran for "poor cooperation"
1 MIN READ

The West wants to punish Iran for "poor cooperation"

Bomb Cyclone in the USA: "Trees are Falling All Over the City"
1 MIN READ

Bomb Cyclone in the USA: "Trees are Falling All Over the City"

Warning of Russian attack – USA closes embassy
1 MIN READ

Warning of Russian attack – USA closes embassy

Putin's new doctrine: "A new attempt"
3 MIN READ

Putin's new doctrine: "A new attempt"

The title in English is: The Husband Let Men Rape Her: "Will Never Heal"
3 MIN READ

The title in English is: The Husband Let Men Rape Her: "Will Never Heal"

Democracy Profile Testifies in Notorious Case
2 MIN READ

Democracy Profile Testifies in Notorious Case

USA gives Ukraine green light for anti-personnel mines
2 MIN READ

USA gives Ukraine green light for anti-personnel mines

Trump wants wrestling mogul as minister
1 MIN READ

Trump wants wrestling mogul as minister

Zelensky: We will lose the war without US support
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: We will lose the war without US support

UN: No Aid to Northern Gaza for 40 Days
1 MIN READ

UN: No Aid to Northern Gaza for 40 Days

Doctors Without Borders Stop Operations in Haiti
1 MIN READ

Doctors Without Borders Stop Operations in Haiti

Reports: Opposition Leader in Uganda Abducted
1 MIN READ

Reports: Opposition Leader in Uganda Abducted

Trump saw Musk's rocket rise – and fall
1 MIN READ

Trump saw Musk's rocket rise – and fall

USA on Venezuela: The Opposition Leader is President
1 MIN READ

USA on Venezuela: The Opposition Leader is President

Dr. Oz takes a seat in Trump's government
1 MIN READ

Dr. Oz takes a seat in Trump's government

Israel Offers Reward to Free Hostages
2 MIN READ

Israel Offers Reward to Free Hostages

Forssell: Time for EU Proposals on Deportations
3 MIN READ

Forssell: Time for EU Proposals on Deportations

Prosecutors Open to Postponing Trump's Sentence
2 MIN READ

Prosecutors Open to Postponing Trump's Sentence

Haitian Police Killed 28 Alleged Gang Criminals
1 MIN READ

Haitian Police Killed 28 Alleged Gang Criminals