The most recent tranche of prisoners released early included at least 700 inmates since the start of October.
However, it has since expanded its scope to offenders of more serious crimes.
Up to 50,000 prisoners are expected to be released each year, adding to the 70,000 criminals released from prison under the previous scheme set up two years ago.
Mr Timothy added: “Taxpayers should not be forking out millions so that equality and diversity analysts can spend their time finding ways to claim that our prisons are racist.
