LONDON, The UK government has issued an urgent warning that men’s prisons across England and Wales could hit full capacity by November, sparking renewed alarm over the state of the country’s justice system.
In a statement to Parliament, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the situation as “unsustainable” and outlined a series of emergency measures to avert what she called a “critical capacity breach.”
Among the most controversial proposals is a move to alter recall conditions for offenders, allowing certain prisoners to remain free despite breaching probation terms. The policy shift aims to relieve pressure on overcrowded cells, but it has already drawn fierce criticism from both opposition MPs and victims’ rights advocates.
“We are acting now to ensure public safety while avoiding a total collapse of prison infrastructure,” Mahmood told lawmakers. “This is not a softening of justice, but a practical response to a structural crisis.”
The announcement comes amid years of warnings from inspectors and watchdog groups about overcrowding, staff shortages, and deteriorating prison conditions. According to the latest government data, men’s prisons are operating at more than 97% capacity, with some facilities already housing inmates in conditions described as “inhumane and degrading.”
Critics say the government’s failure to invest in new prison facilities and its focus on tougher sentencing laws have created a perfect storm.
Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: “We’re now witnessing the consequences of political choices made over decades. Tinkering with recall conditions is a band-aid on a bullet wound.”
The Justice Department has also announced plans to accelerate the construction of new prison units, though these projects are not expected to ease the burden in the short term. In the meantime, the government may rely on temporary accommodations, including converted police cells and emergency prison barges, to house overflow prisoners.
The crisis comes at a politically sensitive time, as Labour faces internal pressures to balance law-and-order credibility with progressive reforms in the justice system.
The Prison Officers’ Association has warned of mounting staff burnout, security risks, and growing violence behind bars, urging immediate and long-term solutions.
The opposition has called for an emergency debate in Parliament, demanding transparency on how far the government is willing to go to avoid systemic collapse.
