Police, MI5 Warn on Labour's Early Release Plan

Senior leaders from the Metropolitan Police, MI5, and the National Crime Agency have warned in a letter to the Ministry of Justice that Labour’s proposed early prisoner release scheme—aimed at reducing overcrowding—could harm public safety and erode confidence in the justice system. The chiefs stressed the need for strong resources and argued that early release should not apply to high-risk offenders, terrorists, or those jailed under national security laws. They also warned that without adequate funding, police forces could lose officers and struggle to meet public demand, undermining efforts to cut crime. The government insists terrorists will not be eligible for early release, repeat offenders may still receive short sentences, and an additional £700 million will be invested in probation by 2028/29. Ministers argue these reforms are vital to prevent the prison system from collapsing, with plans to build new prison places and implement stricter release conditions. The debate highlights the tension between addressing prison overcrowding and maintaining public safety.