UK Gov’t Set to Activate Emergency Plan to Ease Prison Overcrowding

The government is reportedly on the verge of enacting an emergency strategy to address overcrowding in prisons, as the recent riots have led to a surge in arrests, according to Express.

Operation Early Dawn, a longstanding contingency plan, will allow individuals awaiting court appearances to be detained in police cells until space in prisons is secured.

Authorities are working to expedite the court cases of those involved in the widespread disturbances across the UK.

A total of 927 arrests have been made in connection with the riots, with 466 individuals charged as of last Monday.

Mark Fairhurst, chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, anticipates an official announcement regarding Operation Early Dawn soon.

"I can say with confidence that at some point this week, because they're so short of spaces, Operation Early Dawn will kick in," Fairhurst told Sky News.

He explained that the plan functions as a "triage system" for prisoners in police custody, ensuring only those with guaranteed prison cells face trial for serious offenses.

"But if somebody needs to be in prison, they will be in prison. We will find a space," he added.

Fairhurst noted that the North East and North West regions are particularly strained, with offenders potentially being transferred up to 200 miles from home to serve their sentences.

Operation Early Dawn was last activated in May under the previous administration to alleviate prison overcrowding.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson reassured the public: "This government will always make sure we have the prison places we need, and we have taken decisive action to see criminals who break the law swiftly brought to justice."

The ministry stated it would provide updates on operational decisions in due course.