Petition Reinstate release of certain serious offenders half-way through their sentence
I would like the Government to reinstate the early release of prisoners who are serving sentences for certain serious crimes, half-way through their sentence, instead of after two thirds of their sentence.
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I believe, especially for first time offenders, serving two thirds does not help to rehabilitate but causes serious mental health issues. I believe with the current prison overcrowding, this should be looked in to.
Government responded
This response was given on 6 February 2025
Release points are within the remit of the Sentencing Review and we will consider any recommendations from the review.
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The Independent Review of Sentencing has been set up by the Government to consider a comprehensive re-evaluation of our sentencing framework. This includes looking at the administration of sentences, including the point at which offenders are released from prison and it would not be appropriate to speculate on its conclusions at this stage. Information on the Sentencing Review is publicly available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/independent-sentencing-review-2024-to-2025.
The MoJ is committed to improving mental health outcomes for people in contact with the criminal justice system, to ensure that offenders and defendants with mental health needs receive timely support, in the most appropriate setting.
All prisoners have access to integrated mental health services commissioned by NHS England, and in Wales, by the Welsh Government. This includes access to a range of treatments and interventions within prison as set out in the national service specification for mental health care in prisons.
Following the completion of their national mental health needs analysis of all prisons, NHS England are refreshing this service specification to ensure that services remain tailored to the need of people in prison.
Ministry of Justice
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