business 🚨 UK Home Sec defends early release of serious offenders
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the early-release scheme, citing the critical lack of space in prisons across England and Wales. Initially, around 6,000 prisoners, including some violent and sexual offenders, were eligible for early release starting in September. The plan has since been changed, excluding about 1,000 rapists and sex offenders, and its launch is delayed until October. Mahmood argued these 'unpalatable' decisions were necessary to prevent the entire criminal justice system from collapsing. Current men's prisons are already operating at around 98% capacity, highlighting the ongoing overcrowding issue. ⚖️