Prisoners in England and Wales could earn early release under Texas-style shakeup

Justice secretary considers introduction of good behaviour credits in radical carrot-and-stick' approach

Prisoners may have to earn their freedom through good behaviour credits" rather than be automatically released after a set period as part of an overhaul being considered by the government.

The justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who travelled to Texas where a similar scheme was introduced more than a decade ago, said she wanted a carrot-and-stick" approach throughout the prison system in England and Wales.