Richard Madeley

The column condemns the UK's criminal justice system for concurrent sentencing, inconsistent bail decisions, criminals' ability to avoid appearing in court and early releases linked to prison overcrowding. It uses convicted murderer and rapist Simon Levy, who committed further crimes while on bail, as evidence of systemic failure, contrasting UK practice with El Salvador's consecutive life sentences. The piece also previews an interview with actress Susan George about a forthcoming photography book, Smile, and briefly reflects on a solar eclipse.

The column condemns Andy Burnham and the Labour government’s early-release scheme, arguing that prison overcrowding does not justify releasing killers, violent domestic abusers and those convicted over the death of police officer Andrew Harper. It rejects the claim that there is no alternative, proposing measures including emergency prison facilities, foreign prison capacity, repatriation of foreign criminals and licensing non-violent women prisoners. The writer predicts a public backlash and an eventual government U-turn.

Richard Madeley argues that the public is losing patience with what it sees as weak consequences for crime, comparing British attitudes with El Salvador's support for the harsh CECOT prison. He backs Diego Galdino, a pickpocket hunter opposed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and says strong viewer support reflects growing willingness to endorse citizen intervention or seek revenge. The column also dismisses polls suggesting young Britons would not defend the country as temporary public sulking, and praises Andy Burnham's sincere, cross-party approach to tackling the social-care crisis despite uncertainty over funding.

The column harshly criticizes a BBC promotional film, arguing that its recycled version of the “What have the Romans ever done for us?” joke is patronising, embarrassing and effectively pressures viewers to keep paying the TV licence fee. It advocates replacing the licence-fee model with subscription funding. The piece then shifts to lighter observations about Larry the Cat and Andy Burnham, before dismissing the release of alleged UFO documents linked to Donald Trump and the Roswell conspiracy as an underwhelming exercise.