Why thousands of UK prisoners are being freed early
There is an overcrowding crisis in prisons across England and Wales
The Global Story · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
There is an overcrowding crisis in UK prisons. There are also problems with gang violence, drug abuse, self harm and a record number of weapons now being made in jails. To deal with the chronic overcrowding, the UK government has begun releasing thousands of prisoners early in England and Wales.
Katya Adler is joined by senior UK correspondent Sima Kotecha to talk about her time inside one of Britain's most notorious jails as they examine how the prison system in England and Wales has been stretched to breaking point.
Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly
Sound engineers: Matt Dean and Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson