Prisoners leaving HMP Durham under the Government’s latest early-release scheme were heard thanking Andy Burnham.
The first wave began today (Thursday, October 1) with about 700 prisoners expected to leave jails across England and Wales.
Some inmates shared their thoughts as they walked out of HMP Durham with their belongings.
One prisoner carrying his possessions in a plastic bin bag said: "Justice system, what justice system? Thank you Andy Burnham."
People leaving HMP Durham. Around 700 prisoners will walk free from jail in the first wave of the controversially expanded programme to free up spaces in prisons (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA WIRE)
Another prisoner gave the cameras a thumbs-up as he left.
The releases form part of a government programme designed to free up space in the prison estate amid longstanding concerns over overcrowding.
Similar scenes were reported elsewhere across the country.
At HMP Cardiff, a prisoner was asked for a message to the Prime Minister as he left custody.
People leaving HMP Durham (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA WIRE)
He replied: "Thank you very much and don't get me back here again bro."
Ministers say a shortage of prison places has forced them to release thousands of prisoners early.
The latest releases will move offenders out of custody early, creating space for new prisoners.
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The Government says the move is needed to stop prisons running out of space, but critics fear the impact on communities and victims.
The Sentencing Act 2026 changed eligibility so that some prisoners previously released after 40 per cent or 50 per cent of their sentence could be released after one third, while those on two-thirds terms could qualify at 50 per cent.
The Ministry of Justice said more than 18,000 offenders serving more serious sentences would not be released early under the changes.