Some London prisoners have been released early as the Government aims to free up places. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, hopes this will create space to lock up more than 5,000 criminals nationwide. Photos taken outside HMP Brixton in South London show people being set free sooner than planned. Videos posted online also capture celebrations outside HMP Wandsworth as former prisoners reunite with family and friends, complete with sparkling wine being sprayed.
One early-release prisoner, ‘Labour voter’ Liam Fitzpatrick, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his early release. The 34-year-old revealed he was incarcerated for driving offences and fighting. Another former prisoner named ‘Peter’, in his 50s, served 12 months of a 32-month sentence for commercial burglary and was being released on a tag. He expressed concerns about the lack of housing for the newly released individuals.
A 26-year-old man who completed 17 months of a 44-month sentence for GBH with intent shared his experience of the well-organised early release scheme. He mentioned obtaining a qualification in painting and decorating while in prison and having a place to stay in an approved premises in East London.
Another man in his 20s, just short of halfway through a 40-month sentence for car theft, expressed dissatisfaction with the strict licence conditions placed on many individuals being released. He shared his plans to work as a roofer and his concerns about the readiness of some individuals for release.
Overall, former prisoners had mixed feelings about their early release, with some expressing gratitude for the opportunity and others voicing concerns about the lack of support and accommodation available. The early release scheme continues to be a topic of discussion and debate among both former prisoners and the general public.
