Under the government’s new 33% early release scheme, many prisoners who are eligible for release after serving 33% of their sentence will not actually be released when they reach that point. Instead, the government has decided to release prisoners in tranches over several months.

As a result, many prisoners serving longer sentences will be forced to remain in prison for many months after their 33% release date has passed. For some, this could mean serving almost a year longer in custody than they would have if the new policy had been applied on their actual eligibility date.

If the government has determined that eligible prisoners can be safely released after serving 33% of their sentence, then they should be released when they reach that date. Delaying release through a tranche system creates unfairness, extends imprisonment beyond the intended policy, and causes unnecessary hardship for prisoners and their families.

This is not about asking for special treatment. It is about fairness and consistency. If the government has decided that eligible prisoners can be safely released after serving 33% of their sentence, then they should be released when they reach that point—not months later because of an administrative timetable.

Families have already endured years of separation, and many are now facing the prospect of their loved ones spending almost another year in prison despite qualifying under the new rules. This affects spouses, children, parents, and entire communities.

I am asking for support to ensure that all eligible prisoners are released at their actual 33% release date and are not forced to serve additional time solely because of delayed tranche releases.