UK will feel impact of riots for years, justice secretary says

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the impacts of this week’s riots will continue to be felt across the country for ‘months and years’.

Writing in the Observer, she said more than 500 prison places had been brought forward despite the overcrowding crisis that led the government to release some prisoners early last month.

Mahmood wrote: ‘Should further criminality and disorder ensue, we will continue to deliver justice, until the last offender languishes in one of our jails.’

The Crown Prosecution Service will consider bringing charges of rioting against those involved in the most serious unrest, according to the Sunday Times.

Those found guilty of the crime can be imprisoned for up to 10 years.