Hundreds more prisoners freed in second phase of early release scheme

Around 650 offenders are leaving jails in England and Wales on Tuesday in the second phase of the government's early release scheme, designed to tackle the prison population crisis. This wave includes prisoners serving sentences of up to two and a half years who are being freed after serving just a third of their time.

While the government pursues this strategy alongside plans to overhaul criminal courts, critics and charities have raised serious concerns. Opposition leaders and domestic abuse support groups warn that releasing offenders early—including some domestic abuse perpetrators—puts survivors at risk, especially amid reported strains and potential strikes within the probation service.