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BBC NewsAPR 2023
UK: Convicted Criminals Could Avoid Jail as Prisons Fill Up
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The Spin
Narrative A
This dangerous situation has been years in the making, with the MoJ and other authorities having predicted the rise in the prison population as early as 2018. The government's claims of investing in so-called "modern" prison places are largely unfulfilled, with 75% of them existing only on blueprints. Operation Safeguard, too, is inadequate, which is why violent criminals will begin walking the streets again if real prison infrastructure isn't built immediately.
Narrative B
While it's true that less than half of the government's planned new prisons have been built, 5.5K have been, which itself is enough to hold the current number of convicts. Ministers are also working with European partners to rent prison space abroad, which will be a unique but effective tool. No one is sitting idly as England and Wales become overrun by prisoners — measures have been taken and communities will be kept safe as usual.