Overcrowding in U.K. prisons is fueling a rise in violence among inmates and against staff, the Ministry of Justice warned Thursday.
Research shows that offenders in full-capacity prisons are almost 20 percent more likely to be involved in violent incidents. Men’s prisons operated at 99.4 percent capacity in 2024, coinciding with an 11 percent increase in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and a 13 percent rise in attacks on staff compared to the previous year.
The government plans to spend ÂŁ40 million ($53.73 million) on new security upgrades, including anti-drone technology, improved CCTV, and better control room systems.
New sentencing reforms will also ensure offenders who behave badly serve longer, while those who behave well can earn earlier release. These reforms aim to reduce reoffending and improve safety inside prisons. The Ministry emphasized ongoing commitment to expanding prison capacity, targeting 14,000 additional places by 2031 to alleviate overcrowding and reduce violence.
