Why the UK faces a prisons crisis amid row over release of cop killers

The UK’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham has become embroiled in a row about an early prison release scheme to alleviate overcrowding in England and Wales, which ignited furious public outcry when it emerged that two of the killers of Police Constable (PC) Andrew Harper could benefit from the plan.Under the Sentencing Act 2026, which was passed under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, prisoners in England and Wales who are serving fixed, determinate sentences will be released as early as one-third of the way through their jail time in order to free up space. The scheme is set to begin in October this year.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Infantino sets deadline for FIFA offer in Kushner-backed World Cup planlist 2 of 3Police arrest dozens at London rally supporting Palestine Actionlist 3 of 3UK left-wing MP Diane Abbott reinstated by Labour Party after suspensionend of listPrison services are devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but are still centrally controlled in England and Wales.Here is what we know about the row and why England and Wales are facing a prisons crisis.What has Burnham said about prisons since taking over as prime minister?Burnham, who took over a...