The Labour government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, is preparing to implement emergency measures to address severe overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales. The proposals include reducing the automatic release point for inmates from 50% to as low as 40% of their sentence, potentially freeing thousands of prisoners early. However, the plans will exclude those convicted of violent crimes, sex offenses, and terrorism. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to make an official announcement soon, citing the previous Conservative government's neglect as a cause for the current crisis. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the lack of quick fixes and highlighted the need for long-term solutions. The government aims to balance easing immediate pressure on the prison system with ensuring public safety through rigorous probation conditions for released inmates.