The government is considering converting sections of the female prison estate to accommodate male inmates, aiming to relieve overcrowding in women’s prisons. Officials acknowledge the proposal would face major practical hurdles, with governors and experts raising concerns about safety and operational feasibility. Campaigners argue such a move could simply shift pressure from one part of the system to another rather than addressing the root causes. The prisons minister will now assess the viability of the plan in the coming months.
Plans would see parts of estate converted but campaigners warn it just ‘moves the crisis from one part to another’Ministers will seriously examine converting parts of the female prison estate into cells that can safely house male prisoners, as the government looks to reduce numbers of women in prison to ease strain on the system.The prisons minister Catherine McKinnell is to look into the practicalities of converting female spaces to male over the coming months, after warnings from governors and experts that it would pose significant challenges. Continue reading...
