A government adviser has sparked a backlash after calling for thousands of inmates to be moved into low-security open prisons.

Former Tory justice secretary David Gauke urged ministers to follow Spain, where more convicted criminals are free to work and study during the day.

Mr Gauke, who is leading a review of sentencing policy for the Labour Government, said the measure would help tackle overcrowded jails and reduce reoffending.

His call comes as thousands of prisoners have been released early since September in a bid to free up cells.

But Reform MP Rupert Lowe said: “This is a mad idea by David Gauke. The Tories

 failed on law and order for years, they made our streets less safe and now Labour are just making the problem worse by releasing hardened criminals early from prison.

“We need to take a tough approach. Reform UK have a plan to tackle prison capacity issues, by deporting all foreign criminals and building more prison spaces.”

Earlier this month, Mr Gauke visited three jails in Spain, where the prison population has fallen by more than a fifth over a decade following reforms including greater use of open prisons.

The former Conservative MP told The Times: “We don’t make as much use of open prisons as we might do.

“You might spend part of your day out of a prison working, and then return to sleep at night — if that gets you into the rhythm of working and the disciplines of working then that is helpful. You can start to rebuild family relationships.

“We know that what tends to drive rehabilitation is work, family relationships and a home.”

Mr Gauke, who was justice secretary under Theresa May, is also expected to recommend greater use of community sentences and house arrest in his review.