Breaking point: Prisons struggle to accommodate criminals
Ministers are set to announce that due to prison overcrowding, criminals will either be housed in temporary cells or receive softer sentences. Shocking figures have revealed that there are fewer than 600 prison places available, prompting Justice Secretary Alex Chalk to implement this plan. The situation has become so dire that judges have been instructed to delay the sentencing of offenders on bail, raising concerns about the delayed incarceration of convicted rapists and burglars.
Electronic tagging and community orders as alternatives
In an effort to address the overcrowding crisis, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is expected to reveal that more offenders will be electronically tagged and monitored, rather than being locked up. Furthermore, judges may be directed to issue more community orders instead of custodial sentences. However, these plans have faced criticism from the Labour Party, which has labeled them as "soft justice."
Labour Party criticizes "soft justice"
The Shadow Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, expressed concern over the government's plans, stating that the British public has the right to expect swift justice and the upholding of law and order. Mahmood also criticized the government for neglecting the prison system over the past decade, leading to the current crisis.
Government's response and future plans
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice emphasized that the most serious offenders should still be sent to prison and that individuals deemed a risk to public safety will be remanded in custody. The government has also highlighted its commitment to addressing the overcrowding issue by implementing the largest prison-building program since the Victorian era and increasing short-term capacity by doubling up cells.
