The prison population in England and Wales has reached a new record high, with 88,521 people imprisoned, surpassing the previous record set just a week prior. This increase has been attributed to the government’s lack of focus on sentencing policies, according to former lord chief justice John Thomas.
The rising prison population comes as the government prepares to implement a temporary early release scheme in response to the overcrowding. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of releasing prisoners, with fears that many may end up homeless due to insufficient accommodation.
Meanwhile, UK house prices have hit a two-year high, indicating a strong recovery in the property market. The government has also appointed Jonathan Powell as a special envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius over the Chagos Islands.
In other news, the Labour party is expected to have a diminished presence of the left at this year’s conference, with tensions rising between the centrist and left-wing factions. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has accused the government of surrendering to smuggling gangs, while efforts are being made to tackle criminal people-smuggling gangs involved in English Channel crossings.
The government is considering renting prison space in Estonia to address the prison capacity crisis, while efforts are being made to strengthen border security and disrupt criminal gangs involved in people smuggling. Yvette Cooper will chair a summit aimed at apprehending these criminal gangs, with intelligence officers and other officials present at the meeting.
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