Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025
| Act of the Scottish Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act of the Scottish Parliament to amend the rules as to the automatic early release of prisoners from prison and of children from detention; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 2025 asp 1 |
| Introduced by | Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 22 January 2025 |
Status: Current legislation | |
| History of passage through the Parliament | |
| Text of the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 is an act of the Scottish Parliament which established an early release scheme for prisoners in Scotland.
Background
In November 2024, Scotland's prison population was 8,007.[1] In December 2024, Scotland's prison population was 8,365.[2]
Provisions
To be eligible for early release a prisoner mut be serving a sentence shorter than 4 years and not convicted of any sexual or domestic abuse offence.[3]
The proportion of their sentence that a prisoner would have to serve to be eligible was previously half but this was reduced to 40% under the legislation.[4]
Reception
The legislation was supported by the POA and the Prison Governors' Association.[5]
References
- ^ Mitchel, Jenness (27 November 2024). "New law on early release of short-term prisoners in Scotland is passed at Holyrood". Sky News. Archived from the original on 17 December 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Early release of prisoners to ease overcrowding backed by MSPs". BBC News. 12 June 2024. Archived from the original on 12 June 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Scottish prisoners to be released early to ease overcrowding". BBC News. 16 May 2024 [2024-05-15]. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ Amery, Rachel; Grant, Alistair (10 October 2024). "Up to 390 more prisoners to be released early in Scotland as 40% figure introduced". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 22 July 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ Mitchell, Jenness (29 January 2025). "Hundreds of prisoners in Scotland to be freed early from next month to ease overcrowding". Sky News. Archived from the original on 29 January 2025. Retrieved 23 July 2025.