Record numbers of offenders are being recalled to prison

Record numbers of offenders are being recalled to prison in England and Wales, with union officials claiming that some are deliberately breaking the terms of their probation to deal drugs in prison.

- Rajeev Syal

Red setters Elton John and David Furnish leave the Valentino spring/summer haute couture show in Paris paying homage to the late founder of the house's signature colour

(PHOTOGRAPH: AURELIEN MORISSARD/AP)

Prison sources said that after the implementation of early release schemes, as many as 5,000 men were recalled in December alone - more than a third of the total released over a single year to June 2025.

The Prison Officers' Association (POA) claimed that many were deliberately breaking the terms of their licence so they could profit from a lucrative drugs market in jail.

There are concerns that too many prisoners are being released without housing or support under early release schemes designed to ease prison overcrowding. Under the current system, prisoners serving sentences for less serious crimes can be freed after serving 40% of their jail terms, instead of the previous 50%.