overcrowd

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the bill would ensure jails continued to function safely and effectively, as overcrowding could reach "critical levels" if ministers did not act.

The government says the policy will redirect students to regional towns and universities that need them, instead of overcrowded big cities.

This had led to special school leaders stating that their overcrowded schools "are being pushed towards crisis points".

More than 2,000 flights were cancelled on 28 and 29 August, causing "chaotic conditions" at overcrowded airports, the CAA reported.

The father of young woman shot dead on Christmas Eve said the early release of her killer's accomplice due to prison overcrowding "makes a mockery" of justice.