The Prison Release Timing Bill - Clause 1: Varying the date of release for vulnerable people by up to two eligible working days

Supports the amendment by arguing that Friday releases put a strain on both prisoners and support services, leading to higher rates of reoffending. He cites statistics indicating that up to two thirds of people released without accommodation reoffend within a year. Fell emphasises the need for a 'fresh start' for those leaving prison and highlights the support from charities and former offenders.

Intervenes to ask why these principles have not been adhered to before, acknowledging that Fell's arguments are clear and obvious. He questions whether there is a particular emphasis on Friday releases due to their impact.

Asks about the reasoning behind sentence calculation methods that lead to high volumes of Friday releases. Suggests that Fell's amendment aims to correct an unintended consequence and right an obvious wrong.

Supports the Bill, emphasising its practical benefits for prisoners released on Fridays. Highlights the impact on youth offenders and older offenders who face significant challenges upon release. Discusses the importance of providing support services to ensure successful reintegration into society.

Supports the Bill, highlighting its potential to reduce reoffending rates. Mentions personal experience of a friend who turned his life around after prison release on an appropriate day rather than Friday. Acknowledges statistics showing 40% reconviction rate and lack of employment opportunities for ex-offenders post-release. Emphasises the importance of access to support services and integration into society, citing charities like Switchback, Nacro, HTB Shelter, Mind, One in Four, Prison Fellowship, and Timpson. Points out that Friday releases can lead to homelessness and reduced access to support services over weekends.

The hon. Member acknowledges the Government’s recognition of Labour's proposals for earlier release on Fridays, which was previously tabled as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 but not supported by the government then. She emphasises that releasing prisoners on a Friday leaves them unable to access necessary resettlement services due to reduced service availability over weekends. She cites examples of individuals who end up sleeping rough or struggling with drug addiction because they could not secure housing or medical support. Yasmin Qureshi also points out that around 400 people are released into homelessness each month, and only 30% of those in treatment services while incarcerated successfully transition to community-based care upon release.

Mr. Bailey agrees with the hon. Member for Bolton South and Walkden's support for the Bill, stating that it is a common-sense measure to address issues faced by prisoners released on Fridays. He calls for an end to political back-and-forth and encourages all parties to focus on supporting the Bill.

Supports the Bill and emphasises the importance of HMP Berwyn to his constituents. He notes that Friday releases reduce access to essential services, leading to higher reoffending rates. Cites a statistic indicating adult offenders released on Fridays from sentences under 12 months have a slightly higher reoffending rate within two weeks compared to other days.

Speaks in support of the Bill, agreeing with its premise that Friday releases pose difficulties for prisoners due to limited access to services. Notes that this Bill complements other rehabilitation efforts such as employment advisory boards and highlights the importance of public protection while ensuring offenders can reintegrate smoothly.

She supports the bill, noting that one in three prisoners are released on a Friday, limiting their access to housing, healthcare, and benefits before the weekend. The bill would give governors discretion to release such inmates earlier to reduce reoffending rates. Hart cited statistics showing higher reoffending rates for those released on Fridays compared to other days.

Firth supports the bill, emphasising its alignment with compassionate Conservative values. She highlights that releasing prisoners on a Friday often leads them back into their previous circumstances without proper support.

Hunt supports the bill, citing the high cost of reoffending at £18.1 billion. She notes that early release can help reduce this cost and improve support for ex-offenders upon release.

Supports the Bill due to its impact on reducing homelessness and reoffending. Highlights that in 2022, two-thirds of those released from prison were homeless upon release, leading to a higher likelihood of reoffending. Welcomes the Government’s new accommodation service aimed at supporting prison leavers.

Compliments the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness on bringing forward this legislation, understanding the difficulties in accessing local authority services promptly and resolving complex issues efficiently.

Hinds supports the Bill, emphasising its potential to maintain public protection by ensuring custody leavers have better access to support and a higher chance of reintegration. He highlights that being released on Friday can be particularly problematic for those with multiple complex needs, such as drug dependency or mental health issues. Hinds also mentions the reduction in proven reoffending rates from 30.9% in 2009-10 to 25.6% in 2019-20 and the tangible progress made in tackling reoffending.

Congratulations to Simon Fell on achieving a milestone in the debate, acknowledging his efforts.