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EPISODE · Aug 12, 2026 · 24 MIN

The impossible dilemma of early release

from The Story

Andy Burnham is facing the first big test of his premiership. With jails reaching a crisis point, the government has announced an emergency early release scheme to avoid running out of prison spaces by the end of this year. But Burnham’s proposals have faced an outcry from victims. So what options are left?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Andrew Neilson, Director of Campaigns, The Howard League for Penal Reform. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Who is in our overflowing prisons — and why?Clips: Thames Valley Police, BBC, Sky, TalkTV.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The impossible dilemma of early release

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