The Conservatives have warned that a proposal to release some prisoners serving indefinite sentences could result in dangerous offenders leaving custody.
The warning follows an announcement by the Prime Minister that some inmates serving indefinite terms may be freed as part of efforts to increase capacity across the prison system.
Nick Timothy made comments in response to the announcement, raising concerns about the possible consequences of using releases from this category of prisoner as a way to address pressure on prison places.
The issue places prison capacity at the centre of a political dispute over public protection. The Prime Minister’s announcement, as described, links the possible release of some prisoners serving indefinite sentences to the need to create additional space in prisons.
The Conservative response focuses on the risk that such a measure could include offenders regarded as dangerous. No further details were provided in the supplied material about which prisoners could be eligible, what safeguards would apply, or when any releases might take place.
The latest known position is that the proposal has prompted Conservative criticism, with the debate turning on how the Government should balance the pressure on prison capacity against concerns about public safety.
