https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/hundreds-of-prisoners-being-let-out-today-as-early-release-scheme-startsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/hundreds-of-prisoners-being-let-out-today-as-early-release-scheme-startshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/hundreds-of-prisoners-being-let-out-today-as-early-release-scheme-starts#u101593Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:51:38 +0000Approximately 700 prisoners were released from jails in England and Wales on 1 October as the first phase of a government scheme to prevent prisons from becoming full. Convicts left facilities including HMP Durham, Cardiff, and Brixton. The program aims to free around 4,500 inmates by June 2027. While some released individuals thanked Prime Minister Andy Burnham, probation officers warn of an unmanageable influx and the risk of freed prisoners becoming homeless. Victims of abuse have expressed fear for their lives or fled the country due to the releases.Why it mattersThe UK government implemen