The government has announced a significant acceleration in its early prisoner release program, with nearly double the number of inmates set to be freed in October compared to initial plans. Revised figures released by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) indicate that 1,350 prisoners will be released over a two-week period beginning October 1, up from the 700 originally scheduled for that month. An additional 650 inmates will follow on November 10, with 550 slated for release on December 8. By Christmas, the total number of prisoners released under the scheme will exceed 2,500—more than half of the 4,500 planned for the program’s first year.

The adjustment aims to alleviate overcrowding in prisons, as several other capacity-boosting measures introduced by the MoJ have yet to take effect and may only materialize next year. The changes come amid mounting concern over the risk of jail facilities reaching full capacity in the coming months, particularly after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham excluded 1,400 prisoners from eligibility for early release.

In a related development, from January foreign nationals convicted of certain offenses will be eligible for immediate deportation without serving custodial sentences in the UK. Under the new policy, many foreign offenders will be removed from the country before any time is spent in prison and returned to their home countries without restrictions on their liberty there. Exceptions include those convicted of murder, terrorism, rape, child sexual offenses, grooming, and manslaughter, who will remain subject to UK imprisonment and serve most of their sentences domestically.

Currently, foreign offenders must serve at least one-third of their sentences in British prisons before qualifying for deportation. The policy shift is part of an effort to reduce prison numbers and expedite the removal of foreign criminals. However, the move has drawn criticism from victim advocacy groups and criminal justice officials, who argue it undermines justice and victim rights.

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, chair of the domestic abuse charity Refuge, described the policy as “immoral,” expressing concern that deported offenders who do not serve prison time abroad compromise victims’ sense of justice, safety, and closure. She also warned of potential risks offenders might pose to communities in their home countries.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris acknowledged the controversy surrounding the decision and noted he had “wrestled” with its implications. Nonetheless, he defended the policy, stating that deportation combined with bans on re-entry to the UK constitutes a substantial penalty in itself.

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation for England and Wales, voiced reservations about the adequacy of immediate deportation as punishment for severe crimes. He pointed out the difficulty victims and the public might face in accepting that serious offenders could leave the country shortly after sentencing without serving custodial sentences.

As of June, there were 10,134 foreign nationals in prisons across England and Wales, representing approximately 12 percent of the total prison population. Around one-third of these individuals are on remand and thus would be ineligible for immediate deportation under the updated rules.