Prisons in England and Wales hold 87,499 people and operate at 98% capacity. The Sentencing Act 2026 shifts automatic release points earlier for around 70,000 offenders on standard determinate sentences, excluding the most serious crimes. Around 700 prisoners serving up to 19 months were released on 1 October 2026, with further tranches releasing a total of about 4,500 by next summer to prevent the system from running out of space.
Vote to unlock the result — plus the full breakdown by age, gender, constituency and political leaning.
Should the ‘Get to Work Allowance’ replace Universal Credit for 18 to 24 year olds?
Welfare · 1,237 votes · 4h 13m left
Should Ed Miliband be removed as Foreign Secretary for meeting the Iranian commissioner?
Personnel · 1,247 votes · 4h 13m left
Should the UK suspend foreign aid to countries with the death penalty?
Foreign Policy · 1,216 votes · 4h 13m left
Should the UK make the assessment basis for tax and welfare the same?
Welfare · 1,169 votes · 4h 13m left
Has the level of misogyny in the UK risen over the last 10 years?
Rights · 1,211 votes · 4h 13m left
Should the government bring all remaining train companies into public ownership?
Transport · 1,224 votes · 4h 13m left
Should union political funds be donated to parties in proportion to members’ stated voting intentions?
Governance · 1,217 votes · 4h 13m left
49 Opinions
Let's build nightingale prisons.
It’s too late, the prisons will be full and new criminals won’t have anywhere to go. This is the result of governments cutting spend and hoping no one will notice. The public want criminals in prison so they need to pay to do that. Yes taxes will go up but it’s what people want.
Yes. Scrap it. If the state sentences someone to prison, that sentence should mean something. If prisons are full, accountability belongs with the governments and officials who failed to provide sufficient capacity and not with victims expected to accept offenders being released early. Publish who authorised each scheme, its justification, releases, reoffending and consequences. When policy fails, those responsible must answer for it.
The cuts by Tory governments has been an utter disaster. Until more prisons are built those who are classed as not a risk or danger to the public, will have to be released. Don’t agree with it but I don’t think they a choice.
It should be scrapped except for non-violent crimes. All violent crimes need deterrent and should serve their sentences. Another consideration should be given to the appalling judgements too. Too many woke judges giving lenient sentences to serious crimes such as child abuse.
The entire system needs to be reformed. The reoffending rate alone shows the current system does nothing.
In theory yes, prisons are seriously overcrowded but sentences must have an impact and punish individuals for these crimes.
What is the point of a criminal justice system and sentencing guidelines if people are released early. You do the crime you do the time simple as that. You can be sure the re offending rates for early release prisoners will be high.
Look at the reoffending rates! A sentence given should be served as intended - early release should NOT be automatic! The govt are releasing offenders who, in the main, will reoffend and are creating more victims. Do what you should - protect your citizens - in this, you (governments of ALL sides!) are failing. Even in opposition you can bring power in specifics like this - ask pertinent questions of government!
Absolutely pointless. Most will be back within a year. Can build asylum camps . Can do same for low level repeat offenders.