Prisoners punched the air and cheered as the second phase of the Government's early-release phase began today (Tuesday, October 13).
Hundreds more offenders are due to be released from prisons across England and Wales, less than two weeks after around 700 inmates were freed as part of efforts to ease overcrowding in the prison system.
At HMP Durham, one prisoner punched the air and shouted: "Yes cuzzie."
Asked what he thought of the early release scheme, he replied: "F****** belta."
Another inmate sent the Prime Minister a message: "Scrap the recalls."
Prisoners leaving HMP Durham. (Image: PA)
The Sunderland man said he was being sent to Bristol, where he had been arrested, and had to travel there at once or risk being recalled to prison.
Speaking about conditions inside HMP Durham, he said: "Awful.
"It's obviously crowded, they just have to get so many people out."
Another man left wearing an electronic tag and an alcohol-monitoring device, and described Durham as a tough Victorian prison.
(Image: PA)
He claimed the food was poor and that some inmates used the drug spice.
The scenes echoed the first wave of releases on October 1, when hundreds of prisoners walked free across the country.
One inmate carrying his belongings in a plastic bag told reporters: "Justice system, what justice system? Thank you Andy Burnham."
Another prisoner gave the cameras a thumbs-up as he walked through the gates.
Prisoners leaving HMP Durham two weeks ago. (Image: PA)
The releases are part of a Government scheme to create space in prisons amid long-running overcrowding fears.
Ministers say the programme is needed to stop prisons running out of space, but critics fear offenders are being released before serving more of their sentences.
Stockton West MP Matt Vickers, the Conservative Party's deputy chairman and shadow policing minister, said previously on X: "700 prisoners released today. 4,500 more over the coming months.
"Domestic abusers, stalkers and violent offenders are among those eligible.
"Victims are being left fearing for their safety.
"This is a dangerous gamble with public safety."
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Independent Domestic Abuse Services warned that perpetrators' release can create fear and uncertainty for survivors, calling for effective risk assessments, information sharing and properly resourced probation services.
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.