The justice system in England and Wales is on the brink of collapse due to concerns related to prison overcrowding, said Shabana Mahmood, the Secretary of State for Justice. Emergency measures are required to address the situation, and Mahmood is set to present a proposal to the public shortly. It is believed that the plan will include the early release of some inmates, such as those on “standard determinate sentences,” who will be allowed to leave after completing 40% of their jail term instead of the previously mandated 50% duration.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, described the state of the prison system as “shocking” and attributed the present circumstance to the previous government’s “gross irresponsibility.” Starmer discussed the issue at a Nato summit in Washington and stated that the Labour administration needs to “pick this up and fix it.” Currently, about 83,380 inmates are held in the adult male section of prisons, and 1,425 free cells are necessary to ensure the system’s smooth operation.
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett introduced the Indefinite Sentences for Public Protection (IPPs) system, which requires “radical” changes, according to him. Around 2,800 people are still subject to IPPs, and Blunkett believes that the government should enforce reforms to prevent the “revolving door” effect. The Prison Governors’ Association welcomed the new measures and urged a complete review of the present situation while emphasizing that the public must never suffer in this manner again.
To manage the enduring demand for cell spaces, the Ministry of Justice is building six new jails, creating an additional 20,000 places. Approximately 10,000 cells will be added by the end of 2025, in addition to the 6,000 that have already been developed. The IPPs sentencing system, which has caused concern, was abolished in 2012, but around 1,000 persons are still serving their sentences as the scheme was not cancelled retrospectively. The Lord Chancellor has recognized this as a significant challenge for the justice system and has stated that he is willing to work with organizations and campaign groups to support offenders still serving IPP sentences
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