Early-release prison reforms undercut as recalls jump 28%

Ministry of Justice figures show 51,419 offenders were recalled to prison in England and Wales in the year to March 2026, up 28% from 40,259. The BBC reported most recalls followed licence breaches — such as missed appointments — rather than new crimes. Nearly 40,000 prisoners were released early between September 2024 and June 2025 to ease overcrowding, but recalls are sending many back.