- An independent review by former prisons watchdog Dame Anne Owers revealed that UK prisons were “on the brink of collapse” on three occasions under Rishi Sunak's last government.
- The report, commissioned by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, stated the prison system was in 'crisis' between autumn 2023 and summer 2024, with adult male prisons at one point having fewer than 100 spaces left.
- Officials were so anxious about potential breakdowns that they maintained an audit of every decision, while former ministers and senior officials expressed frustration at the repeated refusal to back contingency plans.
- The review found that early release powers were only agreed upon by the prime minister when the system was within three days of potential collapse, despite earlier urgings from then-Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.
- Labour's Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood criticised the previous government for their handling of prisons, while a Conservative Party spokesperson defended their policy of ensuring criminals serve proper sentences.
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