POLL OF THE DAY: Do you agree with the early release of prisoners to free up jail spaces? - YOUR VERDICT

Some of those waiting are ex-convicts who told GB News that they were celebrating the start of the scheme, which saw people being released after serving 40 per cent of their sentences.

It comes as criminal justice commentators and the inspectorate of prisons warn about chronic overcrowding, with drug use and violence rife across the system.

Over 80 per cent of offenders in HMP Wandsworth share cells, many of which are designed for single occupancy.

A watchdog warned it was “inevitable” some of those released would re-offend and return to prison.

The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has since revealed that early release prisoners could soon be housed in taxpayer-funded hotels to ease overcrowding.

The Labour MP, who was addressing MPs in the House of Commons, confirmed inmates who are homeless on release could be temporarily placed in budget hotels paid for through taxes.

The announcement comes amid concern about prison space in bail hostels and other community accommodation typically used by offenders.

Mahmood said: “If an offender is at risk of homelessness upon release they will be housed in community accommodation, and we expect to provide housing for the majority of offenders using existing provision.

“But should there not be enough provision, I have authorised probation directors to make use of alternative arrangements including budget hotels as a temporary measure, for the cases that we will see in the next few weeks.”

A whopping 98 per cent of GB News members who voted in the poll do not agree with the early release of prisoners to free up jail spaces.

On the other hand just one per cent of those who voted agree with the early release, while one per cent are unsure.