Record number of offenders being recalled to prison in England and Wales

"Prison sources said that after the implementation of early release schemes, as many as 5,000 men were recalled in December alone more than a third of the total number released in the year to June 2025. The Prison Officers' Association (POA) claimed many were deliberately breaking the terms of their licence so they could profit from a lucrative drugs market in jail."

"Mark Fairhurst, the national chair of the POA, said his members had found many recalled prisoners were deliberately returning to deal drugs. HMPPS must listen to the voice of the frontline and ensure that recalled prisoners receive their basic entitlements and nothing more. We know many recalls deliberately return to traffic illicit drugs. We must ensure the regime for recalled prisoners is robust and austere, he said."

Record numbers of offenders are being recalled to prison across England and Wales, with prison sources reporting as many as 5,000 men recalled in December alone, more than a third of those released in the year to June 2025. The recalled population rose from about 6,300 in June 2018 to 13,500 in June 2025. Under current rules prisoners serving less serious sentences can be freed after 40% served, moving to a third from autumn. The POA says many recalled prisoners deliberately breach licence conditions to return and traffic drugs. More than half of recalls involve non-compliance with licence terms. There are concerns that early release is occurring without adequate housing or support.

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