Populism, Conservatism and the Politics of Parole in England and Wales

Reform of the parole system has emerged as cause célèbre a resurgent law and order politics. Successive governments have seized upon symbolic power to demonstrate ‘toughness’ with respect violent sexual offending, express solidarity victims crime reaffirm populist credo that purportedly stands in opposition an unaccountable out touch penal elite. Published March 2022, Ministry Justice Root Branch Review Parole System represents continuation this well-rehearsed political strategy, but arguably goes further than ever before its willingness dispense established norms, rules practices. This article surveys contemporary politics England Wales reflects what these developments reveal about shifting contours creeping authoritarian conservatism premised nostalgia, nationalism projection strong, centralised state.