POLL OF THE DAY: Is the prison early release scheme fit for purpose?

The Government's Sentencing Bill, which was debated by MPs last week, aims to ease the ongoing crisis of overcrowded prisons.

It includes an "earned progression scheme" which permits convicts to be freed earlier if they show good behaviour.

However, the Conservatives said that serious criminals could benefit from the system.

Dr Kieran Mullan, Shadow Justice Secretary said called the plans "a gift to rapists and paedophiles" and "an insult" to victims.

On Monday, Scotland's Justice Secretary, Angela Constance, refused to rule out some of Scotland's most serious criminals being released early to create more space in prisons.

Debbie Adams, the director of development and external affairs at Victim Support Scotland, said: "The release of prisoners serving longer sentences would mean that those convicted of murder, rape and other serious sexual and violent offences might be let out."