SNP have had four years to scrap early release, when is it going to happen?

The SNP has no plans to end automatic early release from Scotland's jails, despite promising to do so.

John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said:

"Now we know the truth – despite promising to scrap automatic early release, the SNP has no plans to do so. They are trying to blame the current financial climate for the delay, which is just not credible.

"95% of Scots want automatic early release scrapped, we want it scrapped, yet the SNP has not found the time in almost four years of government to get it done.

"Sentences are cut by 50% irrespective of the criminal's conduct in jail. In many cases they are released after 25% of their sentence with a tag. As it stands, someone who now gets 12 months in jail could be strolling out in a matter of weeks.

"On four occasions over the past 14 years, Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly tabled motions and moved amendments to scrap the discredited scheme. On each occasion we have been blocked by Labour, the LibDems and the SNP.

"To blame the cuts, as the SNP is doing, is a disgrace. Automatic early release must end as soon as possible but all we have ever had from the SNP is warm words. It is not good enough."

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