Meeting of the Parliament 05 November 2025
I have only three minutes, sir.
A prison governor’s veto can be applied if a release poses an immediate risk of harm to an identifiable individual or group. I remind members that, last year, the figure for return to custody after earlier emergency release was 13 per cent and, following the STP40 programme, it was 5 per cent.
I want to be clear that emergency release is not the answer to addressing the prison population in the long term, but it is essential right now to providing critical relief to those who live and work in our prisons. It is my view that the legal test for emergency release has been met and that these measures are necessary and proportionate to maintain the security and good order of our prisons, as well as the safety and welfare of prisoners and staff.