U.K. Considers U.S.-Style Early Release Program to Combat Prison Overcrowding

In a striking recommendation to address mounting prison overcrowding, an independent review commissioned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has proposed that the U.K. adopt a system similar to that in Texas, where inmates can earn earlier release through good conduct. The report suggests allowing prisoners to serve only a third of their sentences, a move aimed at alleviating the impending crisis in prison capacity.

David Gauke, the review's author and former justice secretary, highlighted the urgent need for change as projected prison population demands outpace current capacities. With over 100,000 prison spaces needed by March 2029 and existing capacity falling short of 85,000, the report comes amidst recent initiatives like the early release of over 16,000 prisoners to combat overcrowding. Gauke criticized previous political narratives that increased sentences and pointed out that merely building new facilities would not suffice to meet the immediate needs of the system. His findings indicate a crucial shift is necessary to address the troubling challenge posed by prison population growth.