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Since coming to power in July the government has had to grapple with severe overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales. <\/p>\n
One of Labour’s first acts after winning the election was to implement an early release scheme, drawn up by the previous government.<\/p>\n
Under the scheme, prisoners can be let out if they have completed 40% of their sentence, rather than 50%, as was previously the case.<\/p>\n
The government has said offenders jailed for violent offences with sentences of at least four years, sex offenders and domestic abusers were not eligible.<\/p>\n
Last month 1,700 prisoners were freed under the scheme and a further 1,100 will be released on Tuesday. <\/p>\n
The policy is due to be reviewed in 18 months. <\/p>\n
The government has defended the scheme saying it had “inherited prisons in crisis and on the brink of collapse”.<\/p>\n
“Had that happened, the courts would have been unable to hold trials and the police to make arrests,” a government spokesperson added.<\/p>\n
The Conservatives have said the government “badly managed” the scheme creating “serious public concern” about the process.<\/p>\n
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