By Rachel Amery
Copyright scotsman
Hundreds more prisoners are set to be released early as the SNP government fails to tackle the growing number of inmates in Scotland. As of October 2, there were 8,363 prisoners in Scotland, meaning the prison estate is “on the cusp of having a record number of people”. On top of this, 10 prisons are classed as being a “red risk” and 10 are on or over capacity. This comes after the prison population increased by 200 in the last three months. Justice Secretary Angela Constance has now laid out plans to release around 440 prisoners who are serving sentences of under four years whose release date is within 180 days. It will not apply to those serving sentences for sexual offences or domestic abuse. The announcement also includes bringing Scotland in line with the rest of the UK to deport foreign nationals in Scottish prisoners. Victims who have signed up to the victim notification scheme will be automatically told if the prisoner in their case is to be released. Ms Constance said: “The recent increases in the prison population are having a significant impact on those who live and work in our prisons. Read The Steamie – our dedicated politics newsletter “There is now a critical risk to the continued safe and effective operation of the estate due to this pressurised environment and the prison service’s ability to deliver rehabilitative regimes have been severely curtailed. “These views have been echoed by HM chief inspector of prisons for Scotland.” She added the Scottish Government has carried out a number of actions in recent years to reduce the prison population, including releasing prisoners early on two separate occasions in the past year, increasing the use of home detention, and investing millions into custody alternatives. However these have failed to control the prison population as more inmates are jailed for serious sexual offences or are serving long-term sentences. Since 2020, the number of long-term prisoners has increased by 700, which equates to the size of HMP Addiewell. Ms Constance said: “Let me be clear to parliament – this is not an action I propose lightly. “It is, however, necessary and I consider that the legal test has been met. “Public safety and protecting victims and their families is paramount. Therefore, I have done my utmost to take account of possible concerns in preparing the legislation.” She added the Scottish Prison Service and Prisoner Governors’ Association have both contacted her about the ”urgent need to reduce the current population”. MSPs will now be asked to approve emergency legislation being brought forward in Holyrood to allow these prisoners to be released earlier. The Prison Officers’ Association has welcomed the move, but has warned “early release is not the answer to the overcrowding problem”. Phil Fairlie, the association’s Scottish secretary, said: “Our members have been working flat out in these conditions for a prolonged period of time and it is taking its toll on far too many of them. Things cannot continue as they are. “Far too many are working in extreme conditions and an environment of high risk. Something has to give. “We are fast heading to setting a new record for our prison population and the recent correspondence from the Scottish Prison Service chief executive to the Scottish Government paints a very stark but accurate picture of the impact on everyone concerned. “It is a very clear indicator of just how serious things are when the chief executive feels compelled to write in these terms and we are grateful to her for speaking out and bringing attention to the reality of what things are like, and what the risks are for everyone, if nothing is done.” The announcement has however been heavily criticised by opposition parties in Holyrood. Pauline McNeill MSP, Scottish Labour’s justice spokeswoman, said this is “total system chaos”. She added: “For years, the SNP have been warned about our creaking prison estate and overcrowding, but they have instead turned to short-term sticking plaster fixes. “Meanwhile, the new prison to replace HMP Barlinnie is going to cost taxpayers more than £1 billion and will only add 357 places to the overall prison estate – which doesn’t even meet the current excess over capacity. This is nowhere near good enough.” She added it is now “vital” the justice secretary has “constructive” talks with the Home Office after announcing she is looking to deport foreign national offenders.
