650 prisoners freed in second phase of UK early release scheme
The short Channel 4 News segment reported that hundreds more prisoners—specifically around 650—were being released on 13 October in the second phase of the government's early release scheme. Offenders serving sentences up to two and a half years are now eligible for release after serving one-third of their term instead of half, aimed at easing severe prison overcrowding. It noted the first wave on 1 October freed about 700 serving under 19 months, with further phased releases planned through June 2027 for longer sentences. The report also covered probation officers preparing to vote next week on strike action over pay and excessive workloads exacerbated by the releases. Sourcing relied on official government announcements and union statements with no named guests or on-camera interviews in the clip.
Source: Channel 4 News
