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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Pippa Crerar, Rajeev Syal and Jessica Elgot

Starmer ‘shocked’ about prisons crisis as early release scheme prepared

a general view of a prison: two men seen silhouetted as light streams through barred gates, walkways and metal stairways. A sign is seen reading 'this way up at mealtimes'.
Prisons in England and Wales are understood to have been operating at 99% capacity for 18 months with 100 net prisoners being added every week. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

The “shocking” prisons crisis is even worse than feared, Keir Starmer has said as the government prepares to release tens of thousands of inmates early in a bid to prevent jails becoming full.

The prime minister suggested he was opposed to freeing violent criminals and sex offenders when ministers announce the terms of a new prisoner release scheme for England and Wales on Friday.

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