More Prisoners Called Back to Jail Than Released for First Time

In early 2026, England and Wales called 13,193 prisoners back to jail — more than the 12,977 freed. For every 100 released, 101 were recalled. Ten years ago it was 30. Officials partly blame early-release schemes that put more people under watch. Yearly call-backs hit a record 51,419, mostly for rule-breaking, not new crimes.