To alleviate this overcrowding, the government plans to construct three new prisons starting in 2025, backed by a substantial £4.7 billion capital investment that will create approximately 5,000 additional prison places.

The proposed reforms draw inspiration from a 2011 Texas initiative that successfully reduced overcrowding and recidivism by allowing inmates to earn earlier parole through good behavior and work.

Mahmood is expected to endorse a system of minimum and maximum sentences for certain crimes, which would reward good behavior and participation in educational programs while imposing stricter penalties for misbehavior.

These reforms could allow a broader range of offenders, including violent criminals and drug dealers, to benefit from early release incentives, raising concerns about public safety.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is poised to unveil new measures aimed at addressing the significant issue of prison overcrowding in England and Wales, where the prison population currently stands at 88,087.

Despite previous measures allowing early releases after serving 40% of sentences, Mahmood emphasized the necessity for further action to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.

The changes will abolish the current automatic early release at 40% of a sentence for those who do not comply with new requirements, potentially extending jail time for misbehaving inmates.

In response to rising violence in prisons, the Prison Service is reviewing safety measures, including the use of protective body armor for officers and trialing tasers.

The prison recall population has more than doubled over the past seven years, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes to manage capacity effectively.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick criticized the government's approach, arguing that the new 28-day recall policy undermines deterrence and public safety.

Under the proposed reforms, inmates will be eligible for early release if they complete work, training, or education assignments and demonstrate good behavior.

Critics, including Mark Fairhurst of the Prison Officers Association, argue that building new prisons is not the solution to overcrowding, suggesting instead that investment should focus on modernizing existing facilities and enhancing community sentences.