Prisoners convicted of domestic violence offenses have been released early from British jails, often without warning to their victims. The new left-wing British government is releasing thousands of convicts in a bid to free up prison spaces in a move that has outraged much of the voting public. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted that no violent offenders would be among those released, but just days later, media reports contradicted the Prime Minister and said several domestic abusers were freed.
Baroness Newlove, who represents crime victims in England and Wales, reacted with fury and said many people were given no advance warning that perpetrators were released, meaning they had no time to take “protective measures.” The Baroness told reporters that she had repeatedly sought assurances from the government that violent offenders would not be allowed back onto the streets and that all impacted parties would be informed.
Meanwhile, the British probation workers union Napo declared that sex offenders were also among those released. They made the declaration just days after the government promised that rapists, terrorists, and violent abusers were exempt from the new release scheme. The government insisted that prisons were drastically overcrowded and had no choice but to open their doors. Mr. Starmer blamed his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, and the Conservative Party for failing to build new facilities.
The policy has met with public fury, which increased when it became clear that taxpayers would fund hotel rooms for the newly released convicts. Media reports have informed the British people that murderers were also freed, placing the public in immediate danger. Some reports described the convicts celebrating their freedom with champagne, with one declaring to reporters that he would vote Labour for the rest of his life.
Since coming to power in July, the Labour government has been under fire for various policies, including cutting a winter fuel allowance supplied to elderly people to help them stay warm throughout colder months. This policy also prompted public outcry, with people pointing out that illegal immigrants live in comfortable hotels rent-free while elderly Britons are abandoned.
