Labour's early release scheme for criminals is likely to continue due to a prison-building delay running five years behind schedule.

Taxpayers face an extra £4.2 billion bill as the Ministry of Justice works to create 21,000 new prison places. However, a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) warns that a shortage of at least 12,400 – and possibly up to 21,200 – prison places is expected within three years.

The delay raises the risk of overcrowding, forcing more offenders to avoid jail or be released early. Originally estimated to cost £5.2 billion in 2021, the building programme's expenses are now expected to soar to between £9.4 billion and £10.1 billion.

Mike Graham and broadcaster Emma Woolf discuss this and the big stories of the day.

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