An independent review commissioned by the UK government urges for changes to alleviate prison overcrowding, projecting a critical need for cells in the coming years.
**UK Considers U.S. Good Conduct Prison Policy to Address Overcrowding**
**UK Considers U.S. Good Conduct Prison Policy to Address Overcrowding**
A new report suggests the UK adopt a system allowing earlier inmate releases based on good behavior, inspired by practices in Texas.
Facing a dire prison overcrowding situation, the British government is contemplating a shift towards adopting U.S.-style policies that allow inmates to earn early release through demonstrated good behavior. An official review submitted to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration spotlights Texas as a successful example of this approach.
Released on Thursday, the report recommends implementing a system where the majority of inmates could be eligible to serve just one-third of their sentences behind bars. David Gauke, a former Conservative justice secretary, was tasked by the Labour government with devising solutions for a growing crisis in the country’s prison system. Current forecasts predict a demand for over 100,000 prison places in England and Wales by March 2029, while operational capacity remains below 85,000.
Last year, over 16,000 inmates were granted early release through an emergency measure aimed at easing overcrowding. However, Gauke’s report stated that proposed plans for constructing more prison facilities are still inadequate. He criticized the previous Conservative government’s “tough on crime” narrative for resulting in longer sentences, thus exacerbating the current prison capacity challenge.
The review argues for an urgent overhaul of policies, noting that demand for prison cells is nearing a crisis point, with the need for immediate reform recognized as critical to managing the population effectively and humanely.
Released on Thursday, the report recommends implementing a system where the majority of inmates could be eligible to serve just one-third of their sentences behind bars. David Gauke, a former Conservative justice secretary, was tasked by the Labour government with devising solutions for a growing crisis in the country’s prison system. Current forecasts predict a demand for over 100,000 prison places in England and Wales by March 2029, while operational capacity remains below 85,000.
Last year, over 16,000 inmates were granted early release through an emergency measure aimed at easing overcrowding. However, Gauke’s report stated that proposed plans for constructing more prison facilities are still inadequate. He criticized the previous Conservative government’s “tough on crime” narrative for resulting in longer sentences, thus exacerbating the current prison capacity challenge.
The review argues for an urgent overhaul of policies, noting that demand for prison cells is nearing a crisis point, with the need for immediate reform recognized as critical to managing the population effectively and humanely.
