The findings of a critical review on the UK's prison system were published today, highlighting urgent issues that have led to a crisis in the criminal justice system.

Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke, who conducted the review, attributes the current overcrowding crisis to decades of 'tough on crime' policies that have failed to address underlying issues.

The report reveals that the prison population has surged, partly due to a dramatic increase in the recall of offenders on license, which has risen from under 100 in 1993 to nearly 13,000 by the end of 2024.

Alarmingly, the review indicates that reoffending rates are high, with 37.2% of released prisoners reoffending within a year, and this figure rises to 56.9% for those serving short sentences.

Gauke criticizes the reactionary approach to increasing prison sentences as a 'knee jerk' response that does not correlate with a decline in crime rates since the mid-1990s.

The review also points out that punitive policies have diverted resources from probation services, limiting alternatives to incarceration.

The Howard League for Penal Reform supports the review's conclusions, emphasizing that overcrowded prisons not only contribute to crime but also reflect systemic issues within the justice system.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has linked the necessity for early prisoner releases to previous government inaction regarding prison overcrowding.

In a bid to alleviate the overcrowding crisis, Labour began releasing thousands of inmates early in September 2024, reducing the required time served from 50% to 40%.

Gauke highlights the detrimental impact of significant cuts to justice funding, which have led to a 25% reduction in spending since 2010 and the closure of numerous courthouses.

Looking ahead, Gauke plans to propose changes to sentencing this Spring, stressing the need for strategic thinking in crime reduction and reoffending.

He calls for a comprehensive discussion on the appropriate use of imprisonment, emphasizing that punishment should not be the sole aim of the criminal justice system.