New law on early release of prisoners serving short sentences is passed

The SNP government managed to get the bill passed, with the support of the Greens, by 67 votes to 54.

Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats voted against the legislation.

Justice Secretary Angel Constance had said the changes were “absolutely critical to relieve pressure on the prison estate” and address the overcrowding crisis.

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) said it supported the new early release law, which it described as “a step in the right direction in helping to reduce prisoner numbers”.

Phil Fairlie, POA assistant general secretary, said it was just one “of a series of steps that will be required if the very concerning and real issue of prison overcrowding is to be tackled longer term”.

But the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents said the new legislation would see the public “being put at risk”.

Its president, Ch Supt Rob Hay, said: “Every crime committed and every victim who suffered at the hands of those criminals represent an avoidable consequence of this misguided Scottish government policy.

“To release prisoners early, knowing further offending is likely to occur, piles pressure on a police service already stretched to breaking under unsustainable demand.”