Hundreds of prisoners are being released early today across England and Wales, and some had a message for the prime minister. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
"Thank you Andy Burnham," one prisoner leaving HMP Durham in north-east England said, according to PA.
Another prisoner leaving HMP Cardiff said: "Thank you very much and don't get me back here again, bro."
Not exactly the sort of message that will delight the prime minister, who inherited the early release scheme from Keir Starmer (Burnham has since narrowed its scope after criticisms from MPs, victims, campaigners and frontline prison officers).
Speaking of the former prime minister, today's scenes may bring back memories of the "Big up Keir Starmer" comment from a prisoner released early in October 2024.
My colleague Hannah Al-Othman captured the scenes of celebration outside prisons as the government's early release scheme got under way in her report:
Outside HMP Swaleside in Kent, Daniel Dowling-Brooks, 29, said: "Big up Keir Starmer" as he was celebrating with his friends, mother and sister who picked him up in a convoy of a white Bentley and black Mercedes G-wagon.
Daniel Dowling-Brooks celebrates after being released outside HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent in October 2024. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA
He told reporters he had served seven years for kidnap and grievous bodily harm of someone who owed money to his friend, and had been released seven weeks early.
He said he regretted his crime, and planned to spend more time with his two children and his friends. He said the first thing he would do was "go to McDonald's, go to my hostel and follow all the rules". "I feel good, man," he added. "I feel happy."