This Order at article 2 brings into force, on 1st February 2016, sections 1 and 2 of the Prisoners (Control of Release) (Scotland) Act 2015 (“the Act”). Section 1 of the Act restricts the automatic early release of certain long term prisoners ie any long term prisoner whose sentence is imposed on or after 1st February 2016 and who is not subject to an extended sentence. Section 2 of the Act permits the release of a prisoner up to 2 days earlier than they would otherwise be released, if it is thought that it would be better for the prisoner’s reintegration into the community.

For ease of reference for the reader article 3 amends section 1(1A) of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 so as to specify the actual date on which section 1 of the Act comes into force.

The Bill for the Act received Royal Assent on 4th August 2015. Sections 3 and 4 of the Act came into force on the following day.