Official statistics from the UK Ministry of Justice or major news outlets

UK Government and Labour Consider Sending Prisoners to Estonia as Population Hits 88,350

Sep 6, 2024, 08:49 AM

The UK government is considering plans to send prisoners to Estonia to alleviate overcrowding in British jails. This proposal comes as the prison population in the UK reaches a record high of 88,350 inmates. Estonia has offered to rent prison spaces to other countries, and the Ministry of Justice is evaluating all viable options. Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle did not rule out the possibility, stating that the government is considering 'anything' to address the crisis. Former top judges in England and Wales have called for 'radical solutions' to the overcrowding issue. Critics argue that human rights lawyers may challenge the plan, similar to previous attempts to send migrants to Rwanda. Labour is also considering similar measures, and Sweden is in talks with Estonia. Additionally, there are 10,000 foreign nationals currently in prisons in England and Wales.