Question
This Government’s early release scheme has put 80,000 criminals back on our streets. They have gone on to commit crimes again and again. Last year, more serious violent and sexual crimes were committed by ex-offenders than in any previous year on record, and around 40 prisoners a day now leave prison homeless. If the Government will continue to release unrehabilitated criminals on to our streets, why have they allowed 11 probation hostels—the very places meant to supervise them—to close under their watch?
Answer
I will take no lectures from the Conservative party, who left us in this position in the first place, with the result that we have had to make these difficult decisions to keep all our citizens safe. The Government remain steadfast in our commitment to halve violence against women and girls, and the safety of victims and the communities we represent remains central to release decisions. Any offender released from prison will be controlled under strict licensing conditions in the community. We are contacting every affected victim where possible and investing £18.9 million in additional support, including a new national helpline, which I had the privilege of visiting in person last week.11% point-scoring 33% vibes
Verdict: RED (15/100)
The reply did not give a clear answer on whether early release will continue. It implied that release decisions are ongoing and stressed safety, but it never said yes or no. It did not address the question about probation hostels at all, including the closure of 11 of them or the reasons for it. The reply is largely hedged and incomplete, so the person who asked would likely need to follow up for specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Government continue to release prisoners early, before the end of their sentences, under its current release arrangements? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply never states plainly whether early release will continue. It implies that release decisions are ongoing ("we have had to make these difficult decisions", "safety... remains central to release decisions") and that released offenders face strict licensing, but it avoids a clear yes or no on the question asked. |
| What are the reasons for the closure of 11 probation hostels during the Government's period in office? | Not Addressed | Generic | Nothing in the reply mentions probation hostels, their closure, or the reasons for closing 11 of them; the statements concern early release, victim contact, and support funding, which do not answer the question. |