Champagne socialism! Prisoners doused in bubbly amid early release at HMP Nottingham

People were seen being doused in champagne today outside a prison - on the day of the Government's early release scheme.

Bubbly was flying at HMP Nottingham this morning (Tuesday).

Around 1,750 prisoners are being released early in England and Wales to deal with overcrowding.

And pictures show the corks popping with celebrations taking place outside the jail in Nottingham.

Prisoners were also pictured leaving HMP Bristol with their belongings in the Horfield area of the city where an estimated 19 are being freed today.

Those serving less than five years are being let out after serving 40 per cent of the sentence - rather than the usual 50 per cent.

All sex offenders and domestic abusers, along with violent offenders with a minimum four year term are excluded from the scheme.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was necessary as the prison population was at ‘crisis point’

Although some have expressed safety concerns about the amount of offenders flooding back on the streets and whether the probation service can cope.