Keir Starmer breaks silence on prisons crisis and declares one thing he didn’t want to do

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is defending a decision that’s made a lot of people upset and worried. His government has introduced a rule that allows certain criminals who have been recalled to prison to be released after just 28 days, without going through the usual Parole Board process. He said this is the only option they have right now because the prison system is overcrowded and close to collapsing. Prisons in England are almost full, and some officials believe there won’t be any space left by November.

Starmer admitted this isn’t a choice he wanted to make, but claimed his hands were tied due to the failings of the previous government. He pointed out that over the past ten months, the government has been working to add thousands of new prison spaces. Still, that hasn’t been enough to keep up with the growing number of inmates.

This early release rule, however, doesn’t apply to the most dangerous criminals—like those under strict supervision by multiple agencies, especially many domestic abusers. But even with that exception, a lot of people are scared and angry. Some of the offenders who will benefit from the new rule include people who broke their probation conditions or failed to meet with their probation officers on time. Justice sources estimate that over half of the current prison recalls are for these types of breaches.

Critics argue that this move puts victims in danger, especially those who have suffered from domestic violence. Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove said this kind of rushed and temporary solution is harming the public’s trust in the justice system and making victims feel unsafe. She questioned why such offenders—many of whom have committed violent or sexual crimes—were being allowed out so quickly.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs was even more direct. She said this rule is dangerous because many abusers know exactly how to find their victims. They know where they live, where they work, and where their kids go to school. These offenders often ignore court orders meant to keep victims safe, and releasing them after just 28 days gives them a clear chance to hurt again. She warned that until the government can be sure every domestic abuser is excluded from this rule, the entire plan should be stopped.

Other critics, like Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, argued there are better solutions. He said the government should focus on deporting foreign criminals and speeding up court cases for the 17,000 people currently in prison awaiting trial. Instead, he said, ministers are letting out criminals who are likely to reoffend, and it’s putting innocent people at risk.

Victims and MPs from different political parties have expressed fear and disappointment. They say the government is failing to properly protect the public, especially vulnerable people who have already been through trauma. Some also suggested creating specific laws that label domestic abuse as a serious criminal offence so such criminals could be automatically kept behind bars.

In short, this decision to allow early release after 28 days has triggered a wave of concern. Many believe it’s not just a bad policy, but one that could lead to real harm if victims aren’t protected and dangerous people are released too soon.