37 Prisoners Released Early by Mistake Under Government Scheme

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was “deeply regrettable” that 37 offenders were let out of prison in error under the government’s early release scheme. Addressing the mistake during a visit to the United Nations in New York on Thursday, Starmer said he was concerned they had been released, adding that the government would “ensure that all victims have the support that they need.” “As I understand it, [it was] to do with the classification under old legislation and I think all bar one are back in custody,” the prime minister said. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood had temporarily cut the proportion of sentences that inmates must serve behind bars from 50 percent to 40 percent in a bid to cut prison overcrowding....