U.K. Considers U.S.-Inspired Good Behavior Release Program to Address Prison Overcrowding

Fri Jul 11 2025 07:51:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
U.K. Considers U.S.-Inspired Good Behavior Release Program to Address Prison Overcrowding

An official review suggests adopting a system similar to Texas's, allowing inmates to earn earlier release through good conduct to relieve prison congestion.


As the British government grapples with severe prison overcrowding, an independent review recommends an early release strategy modeled after the U.S. system, particularly spotlighting Texas, to manage the growing crisis in England and Wales.

Article Text:

As the United Kingdom faces a critical prison overcrowding issue, a newly released report urges the British government to implement a strategy that allows inmates to earn early release through good behavior, following a model commonly used in the United States, notably exemplified by Texas.

Commissioned for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, the independent review calls for significant reforms designed to address the impending prison capacity crisis. The report highlights that without intervention, projections suggest that by March 2029, England and Wales will require over 100,000 prison places, while the current operational capacity sits below 85,000.

David Gauke, former Conservative justice secretary from 2018 to 2019, was tasked with developing a plan to mitigate overcrowding within the prison system. He noted that prior to his review, more than 16,000 inmates were released early late last year as an emergency measure to reduce congestion. However, Gauke expressed concern that current plans for constructing new prisons remain insufficient.

Critiquing a political narrative established by the previous Conservative government that emphasized a "tough on crime" stance, Gauke indicated that such policies resulted in increased sentence lengths and a higher percentage of time served in prison. He asserted that "urgent change" is necessary, warning that the demand for prison cells is perilously close to outpacing available resources, necessitating the implementation of immediate, short-term solutions.

The push towards reform highlights a balancing act between public safety and humanitarian concerns, as stakeholders from various perspectives debate the effectiveness and implications of potentially reducing sentences for good behavior in trying to alleviate the UK's prison crisis.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:23:48 GMT

Texas Flood Disaster Raises Questions on Emergency Communication Delays

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:23:48 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:56:31 GMT

Inquiry Reveals Drastic Impact of U.K. Post Office Scandal, Linking 13 Suicides to Wrongful Prosecutions

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:56:31 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:08:30 GMT

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron Announce Nuclear Defense Pact for Europe

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:08:30 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:08:37 GMT

G8 Education Accelerates CCTV Rollout Amid Child Abuse Allegations

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:08:37 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:59:06 GMT

Texas Floods: Death Toll Surpasses 100 as Communities Grieve

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:59:06 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:30:12 GMT

Macron's State Visit to the UK: A Moment of Unity Amidst Challenges

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:30:12 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:42:01 GMT

**Texas Flooding Claims Lives of Campers, Teachers, and Family Members**

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 19:42:01 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:29:09 GMT

Texas Floods Claim Lives, Highlighting Urgency of Weather Preparedness

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:29:09 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:30:39 GMT

Tragedy Strikes Christian Summer Camp as Flooding Claims Lives

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:30:39 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 21:19:41 GMT

Texas Floods Claim 79 Lives, Spark Concerns Over Emergency Response

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 21:19:41 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:36:11 GMT

Tragedy Strikes Girls' Summer Camp as Floods Claim Lives in Texas

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:36:11 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 05:42:48 GMT

Tragic Floods Claim Lives of Young Campers in Texas

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 05:42:48 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:46:42 GMT

Frantic search continues in Texas after deadly flash floods claim 32 lives, including 14 children

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:46:42 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:09:24 GMT

Pressure Mounts on U.K. Chancellor as Political Speculation Swirls

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:09:24 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:56:14 GMT

Tensions Rise in Parliament as Chancellor Rachel Reeves Faces Job Insecurity

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:56:14 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:55:15 GMT

Heathrow Airport's Closure: System Failures Uncovered in New Report

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:55:15 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:51:23 GMT

UK Prime Minister Faces Major Backlash Over Controversial Welfare Reforms

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:51:23 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:38:49 GMT

Measles Resurgence: Understanding Risks and Prevention Strategies This Summer

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:38:49 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:05:37 GMT

Nonprofits' Legal Challenge to UK Fighter Jet Exports to Israel Fails

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:05:37 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:46:15 GMT

Keir Starmer’s Struggles: A Year in Review and Calls for a Shift to the Left

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:46:15 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.