To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to enable the release on temporary licence of people in prison during the Christmas period.
Answered on
2 December 2020
Most release on temporary licence (ROTL) was suspended in March to help tackle the threat from Covid-19 but we have been working with the public health authorities to support prisons to re-introduce ROTL where it is safe and practicable to do so, and in line with restrictions on activity in the community.
Currently, therefore, ROTL is limited to key activities such as work, education, essential medical treatment and in compelling compassionate circumstances. Decisions about release during the Christmas period will be taken in light of community restrictions in place at that time and in consultation with the public health authorities.