UK Labour Plans Texas-Style Early Release, Scraps Most Short Prison Sentences

The British Labour government plans to introduce a Sentencing Bill aimed at reducing prison overcrowding by abolishing most prison sentences under 12 months except in exceptional cases, with legislation expected in September. Central to the reforms is a Texas-inspired 'earned progression model' allowing inmates, including some violent offenders, to earn early release after serving between one-third and half of their sentence, although terrorists and the most dangerous criminals are excluded. The Bill will also toughen community punishments by enabling courts to impose fines, asset seizures, and bans on driving, travel, and attending events, alongside increased unpaid work requirements for offenders. Additional measures include longer suspended sentences for low-risk offenders, electronic tagging and restriction zones for sexual and violent offenders, and immediate deportation of most foreign criminals upon conviction. The government justifies these reforms as necessary to prevent a looming prison capacity crisis despite ongoing prison construction, citing high reoffending rates among short-term prisoners. Critics warn the changes may allow dangerous criminals to avoid adequate punishment, but officials emphasize the need for systemic change to manage overcrowding and improve rehabilitation.