Justice Secretary Announces Major Prison Expansion Plans
In a recent Ministry of Justice briefing, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed the government’s commitment to addressing the current prison crisis. With a rapidly rising prison population projected to exceed 100,000 by 2029, Mahmood emphasized the dire need for action, criticizing previous Conservative administrations for their inadequate response, which resulted in only 500 new prison places over 14 years.
Mahmood announced that the government has secured funding for the construction of three new prisons as part of a broader initiative to add 14,000 prison places by 2031—the largest expansion of the prison system since the Victorian era. This initiative comes alongside a £2.3 billion investment already made, with an additional capital investment of £4.7 billion confirmed for the ongoing spending review period.
Interim permanent secretary Amy Rees underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that the prison system was operating at nearly full capacity, risking a collapse that could lead to public safety concerns. In light of this, new sentencing rules are set to be legislated by April 2024 to effectively manage the rising inmate numbers.
Mahmood also addressed the growing number of offenders recalled to prison, a significant factor contributing to overcrowding, stating that updated policies could free up around 1,400 jail spaces. The government aims to prevent the criminal justice system from "managed breakdown," which could force emergency releases without adequate supervision.
As the situation escalates, Mahmood’s government pledges to take immediate and comprehensive steps to stabilize the prison system while enhancing public safety. The Howard League for Penal Reform criticized the expansion focus, advocating for alternative reform strategies.
This proactive approach marks a critical moment in the UK’s attempts to reform its penal system amidst mounting pressures.
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