Inaction now could lead to “the collapse of the criminal justice system and a total breakdown of law and order,” which would include looting and street rioting, according to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Rishi Sunak “and his gang in Number 10” were held accountable by the recently appointed minister for being “too weak to heed the warning signs that were flashing”.
According to the current government, between October of last year and June of this year, more than 10,000 convicts were freed early under the previous administration.
With the exception of the most serious criminals, prisoners in England and Wales are often freed on license after completing 50% of their sentence.
The reduction to 40% will take effect in September.
According to Mark Fairhurst, the chair of the Prison Officers Association, this could imply that in the first few months of the program, roughly 5,500 prisoners will be released.
Those who received sentences of four years or longer for significant violent offenses will not be eligible for the reduction in time served.
This comprises:
Infractions related to stalking; controlling or coercive actions in personal or familial relationships; non-fatal strangling and suffocation; and violations of protection orders against domestic abuse, non-molestation, and restraining orders.
