House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Prison Capacity
14 May 2025 · Ministry of Justice
Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Treasury has committed funding for the expansion of prison places.
- The government plans to bring forward legislation on fixed term recall for certain sentences.
- An independent review of sentencing is expected to provide recommendations.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the ongoing crisis in UK prison capacity and the government's response to ensure sustainable management of the prison system.
Action requested
The minister announces that the Treasury has committed funding for the expansion of prison places, plans to bring forward legislation on fixed term recall for certain sentences, and expects recommendations from an independent review of sentencing. The measures aim to avoid a further crisis in prison capacity by November 2025.
Key facts
- Government appointed David Gauke to lead an independent review of sentencing.
- Published a long-term strategy to build 14,000 prison places by 2031.
- Committed £2.3 billion to prison expansion since taking office.
- Opened 2,400 new prison places since taking office.
- Central demand projections show capacity will run out of prison places by November 2025.
- Recall population has more than doubled from 6,000 in 2018 to 13,600 prisoners in March this year.