The Newshound

Most of the 1,350 prisoners set free early next month will walk out WITHOUT ankle tags, despite Labour's pledge

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026.

Nick Smart, President of the Police Superintendents' Association, is demanding the first Royal Commission in 60 years into criminal justice, warning Labour's early release scheme will trigger a surge in burglaries and…
Nick Smart, President of the Police Superintendents' Association, is demanding the first Royal Commission in 60 years into criminal justice, warning Labour's early release scheme will trigger a surge in burglaries and…

Labour made electronic tagging the centrepiece of its early release scheme, but the Probation Service cannot fit devices in time for the October 1 start date. The majority of the 1,350 prisoners scheduled for release next month will go out unmonitored, with tags applied only after they have returned to the community. The cohort heading out in the opening two weeks is double the original projection, raising fears that serious and violent offenders could be freed with no tracking in place.

Ministers had pledged a 'presumption that all offenders are electronically tagged on release', with exemptions only in narrow circumstances.

Victims' groups warn they will 'pay the price' for the overcrowding crisis driving the rushed releases.

MoreThe TelegraphWhile violent offenders walk free, these prison cells lie emptyLBCVictims will 'pay the price' for prison overcrowdingGB NewsMajority of prisoners released early from prison will not be fitted with ankle tracking
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