Approximately 700 inmates were released early from prisons across England on Tuesday as part of a government initiative aimed at addressing severe overcrowding, drawing both gratitude and concern from those affected.

Among those freed under the early release scheme, which allows prisoners to leave one-third of the way through their sentences, were individuals convicted of theft, violence, and domestic abuse. The Ministry of Justice reported that men’s prisons currently operate at nearly 99 percent capacity, with just 1,134 spare spaces out of 84,953 beds available as of Monday.

At HMP Brixton in south London, where 44 prisoners were released, several inmates expressed appreciation toward Prime Minister Andy Burnham for the early release. One man, released after serving six months of a nine-month sentence for theft, described the prison as overcrowded and praised the scheme. However, he also voiced concern about the nature of some being freed, stating that individuals convicted of domestic abuse should not be released early.

David Elliott, 50, who received a 20-week sentence for theft and was freed after seven weeks, expressed skepticism about the policy’s effectiveness. Elliott cited his addiction and lack of support post-release, predicting he would likely be returned to custody due to difficulties in meeting license conditions. He described harsh prison conditions, saying inmates were limited to one hour outside their cells daily.

Reactions at other facilities varied. At HMP Cardiff, some former inmates characterized early release as unhelpful, with one long-term prisoner saying he anticipated returning soon, describing a cycle of release, substance use, and reoffending exacerbated by homelessness. Yet others conveyed thanks to the Prime Minister and a desire to avoid re-incarceration.

Similarly, prisoners released from HMP Wandsworth expressed thanks, with one serial shoplifter with multiple convictions endorsing the scheme and indicating a propensity to support the Labour Party if he voted. Michael Bogle, 38, who was freed 78 days into a 32-week sentence, said the early release program was beneficial and urged its continuation.

The government plans to release approximately 4,500 more prisoners under the scheme over the next 10 months, including those with longer sentences, some exceeding 12 years. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that from Tuesday onward, all released inmates are expected to be fitted with electronic monitoring devices within 48 hours.

However, the initiative has drawn criticism from victim advocacy groups. Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner, warned the plan could pose a public safety risk due to insufficient protective measures for victims. She cited recent inspection reports raising doubts about whether existing risk management systems have the necessary capacity, resources, and expertise to handle the increased demands posed by the early release policy.