Justice: Record high for numbers in prisons

The prison population in England and Wales reached a record high yesterday, the Government said.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2010, 00:17 BST
Updated 22nd May 2010, 00:17 BST

Ministry of Justice statistics confirmed the total reached 85,201, 192 more than last Friday.

Managing prisoner numbers was not covered in more detailed plans published by the new coalition Government on Thursday.

But campaigners have already called for Justice Secretary

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Ken Clarke to freeze the building of new prisons and stop the number of inmates rising further.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "The total prison population on Friday May 21 was 85,201. This is 192 more than last Friday when the total was 85,009."

In February the then Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, announced the end of an early release scheme which saw more than 80,000 offenders let out.

No prisoners were eligible for the controversial End of Custody Licence (ECL) scheme after March 12 and the last remaining ECL prisoners were out on April 9.

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The figures heightened fears that new measures will be needed to relieve pressures on the prison estate.

They will provoke criticism from prison campaign groups who want the Government to address an overcrowding crisis.

Related topics:GovernmentEnglandWales