The Scottish Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission has said older prisoners in poor health should be considered for early release, as part of a wider plan to cut Scotland’s prison population.
The long-serving monitor takes over after Elisabeth Davies resigned in December 2025, following a revolt by local chairs against a national reform package.
Justice Secretary David Lammy also announced a London pilot that would let the vans turn traffic lights green as they approach on key routes.
The second part of Sir Brian Leveson’s independent review calls for a single vision for criminal justice, wider use of AI and remote hearings, and investment in court buildings.
The Justice Secretary will overhaul separation centres after a review prompted by an attack on staff at HMP Frankland, and may legislate to limit human rights claims.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the prison population remained stubbornly high, as opposition MSPs accused the Scottish Government of mismanaging justice.
The National Audit Office says the prison and health services must act faster on security and work together better, with half of prisoners having an identified drug problem.
The Prisons and Probation Minister told a live recording of The Secret Life of Prisons at the Clinks conference that he had “severe” concerns about probation’s ability to deliver the Sentencing Act.
The campaign group has launched an exhibition on families affected by IPP sentences and a map showing the constituencies where people serving the sentence live.
Most prisoners on fixed-term sentences will leave custody after serving a third of their term under the new law, which received Royal Assent on 22 January.
