Overview

• Prisons in England and Wales are operating at 99% capacity, with zero available spaces projected by November 2025, according to Ministry of Justice officials.
• Emergency legislation will limit recalls for offenders serving one to four years to 28 days, excluding those convicted of serious crimes or managed under high-risk protocols.
• The recall reforms aim to free up 1,400 prison spaces and provide temporary relief until broader sentencing reforms take effect in spring 2026.
• A record £4.7 billion investment will fund the construction of three new prisons, creating 5,000 additional spaces, though officials warn this will not meet long-term demand.
• Victims' advocates and opposition figures have raised concerns about public safety risks, particularly for domestic abuse survivors and victims of other violent crimes.