Inmates have celebrated Labour and the Prime Minister after they were released from prison early, with one shouting “big up Keir Starmer”.
Some 1,110 prisoners are being released early today as part of the Government’s policy to free up prison space.
Those serving over five years can now be released on licence after 40 per cent of their time behind bars – it had been previously been 50 per cent.
One inmate, Daniel Dowling-Brooks, cheered “big up Keir Starmer” as he celebrated his release with his friends, mother and sister, who picked him up in a convoy of a white Bentley and black Mercedes G-Wagon outside HMP Swaleside in Kent.
Prisoners REJOICE at Labour in power as they celebrate being released early from prison
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He told reporters he had been in prison for seven years for kidnap and grievous bodily harm of someone who owed money to his friend, and was leaving jail seven weeks earlier than planned.
The 29-year-old said the first thing he would do is “go to McDonald’s, go to my hostel and follow all the rules”.
On being released, he said: “I kidnapped someone who owed my friend money. I tied him up and had him at gunpoint. I beat him up. It was bad but not as bad as they made out. I’m so sorry for it though.”
“I’m changed. Big up Keir Starmer, I am delighted to be released early.”
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Daniel Dowling-Brooks celebrates after being released outside HM Prison Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent
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Prisoners reunite with loved ones following their early release
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Asked how he felt about being out of prison, he added: “I feel good man. I feel happy.”
Other inmates were reunited with children, whilst some were greeted by friends.
By lunchtime on Tuesday, 14 prisoners had been released from the prison, known locally as Strangeways, with several confirming they had been let go early.
Starmer said that he “shares the public’s anger” at images of prisoners being released prematurely.
His official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister shares the public’s anger at these scenes and thinks it is shocking that any government should ever inherit the crisis that this government has when it comes to our prisons.
“But just to be clear, there was no choice not to act. If we had not acted, we would have faced a complete paralysis of the system.”
The second set of emergency releases since September comes as ministers launch a comprehensive overhaul of sentences
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Starmer said this is the ‘second and final’ release of prisoners under the Government’s scheme
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He added that this marks the “second and final” release of prisoners under the Government’s scheme.
The second set of emergency releases since September comes as ministers launch a comprehensive overhaul of sentences, in light of overcrowding in prisons.
The review could lead to judges having powers to sentence people to “prison outside prison”, such as house arrest.
The scheme will free up 5,500 spaces across England and Wales and many of those leaving jail today will come from open prisons, which means that inmates have been working towards rehabilitation.