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United Kingdom: England & Wales
Capital city — London
Country population
i2021/ Conseil de l’Europe, SPACE I – Rapport 2021, p. 32.Incarceration rate (per 100,000 inhabit…
i10/2023Type of government
Human Development Index
0.929(18/191)
iHomicide rate (per 100,000 inhabitants)
iName of authority in charge of the pris…
Total number of prisoners
i02/2023/ Ministry of Justice, Prison population figuresAverage length of imprisonment (in mont…
i2020/ Council of Europe, SPACE I – Report 2021, p. 124.Prison density
97.4 %According to stat…
i12/2022Total number of prison facilities
i2023An NPM has been established
yesin March 2009
Female prisoners
i02/2022/ Ministry of Justice Prison population figuresIncarcerated minors
0.5 %The Youth Justice…
i2021/ Council of Europe, SPACE I – Rapport 2021, p. 45.Percentage of untried prisoners
i12/2022/ Ministry of Justice, Offender management statisticsDeath penalty is abolished
yessince 1998
Special populations
Women
Female prisoners
Percentage of untried female prisoners
Percentage of foreign female prisoners
19.6 %
There are 12 prisons for women in England. Ten of these facilities are public and two are private. There are no prisons for women in Wales.
Public Prisons include:
- Askham Grange Prison (open facility)
- Drake Hall Prison
- East Sutton Park Prison (open facility)
- Eastwood Park Prison
- Foston Hall Prison
- Holloway Prison
- Low Newton Prison
- New Hall Prison
- Send Prison
- Styal Prison.
Private prisons include (operated by Sodexo):
- Bronzefield Prison
- Peterborough Prison
Women are often detained far from their homes and families.1
Women in Prison, State of the Estate: Women in Prison’s report on the women’s custodial estate (report by the association Women in Prison), 2015, p. 34-36. ↩
There is an effective separation between men and women
Untried female prisoners are separated from the convicted
The prison staff is
mostly female
The chief inspector of English prisons recommends that 60% of prison staff should be women. However, not all facilities comply with this.
Searches of prisoners are defined by the PSI 07/2016.
- Rub-down searches are the most common method. Single officers, male or female, implement these searches. These searches must not be intrusive or require the lifting or removal of clothes.
- An officer of the same sex as the prisoner carries out full body searches. The officer uses a metal detector. These searches consist of two levels:
- Level 1: The removal of clothing, excluding underwear.
- Level 2: The entire removal of clothing. This step can only be justified on the grounds of sufficient information or suspicion of the concealment of objects. It is strictly forbidden to require the prisoner to squat whilst being searched. Intimate searches are carried out in private.1
Ryan Harman, Prison Reform Trust, summary of key points in the regulation of excavations. ↩
Many gender-specific needs of women are not taken into account in the prison administration. However others are: such as gynaecological consultations and the provision of hygiene products.
Support given for women who are victims of domestic violence or sexual violence is not adequate.1
From 21 August 2019, police officers must provide free hygiene products to women in police custody when they are menstruating. They have the right to speak in private with an officer of the same sex about any health, hygiene or welfare issue. They may keep their menstrual protection with them or any other necessary hygiene product if it does not present any particular risk.2
A prison inspector described, in February 2023, the prison conditions for women with acute mental illnesses in HMP Eastwood Park as “the worst [he] had ever seen”. There were numerous cases of self-harm, and care was poor. In his opinion, this facility is fundamentally unequipped to support the women held there. The prison received the lowest score for safety, which is unusual for women’s prisons.
Department of Justice, “Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System 2017 - 2017 Statistics on Women and Criminal Justice “, November 2018, p. 4. ↩
Women generally have access to employment and education. They can also take part in activities. However, female prisoners who are serving short sentences have little access to these opportunities. It can take a considerable amount of time to apply for work or training courses. The vast majority of women serve short sentences, sometimes lasting only a few days or weeks.
Conjugal visits are allowed for women
no
Conjugal visits are not allowed for both men and women.
Pregnant women are housed in specific units or cells
yes
Pregnant women, or those who have a child no older than 18 months mayask, in writing, to be placed in a Mother-Baby Unit (MBU)1. This decision falls on the prison governor who is thus advised by the Admission Board. If there is insufficient space, a potential transfer of a prisoner to the MBU of another establishment is possible.
Prison Reform Trust, “Information sheet for women in prison for the first time (factsheet for female prisoners)”, October 2017, p. 5 ↩
The legislation provides for a sentence adjustment for pregnant women or women with young children
Children whose mothers are serving a sentence longer than 18 months are accommodated by close family or in a foster home.
Pregnant women receive proper prenatal care
The NHS (National Health Service) is required to provide the same level of prenatal care to prisoners as it does to the public. According to Jenny North, of the Maternity Alliance, “Antenatal clinics and classes may be held on site in prisons, but more complex care - such as obstetric consultations and ultrasound scans - is usually delivered outside the prison.” 1
An 18-year-old woman gave birth alone, in a cell, on 27 September 2019. The baby was stillborn. The inquest revealed that the woman had pressed on her cell’s emergency bell twice, but no one answered. A surveillance officer walked past her cell while she was in labour but did not stop to help her.
Following these events and the death of another baby at Styal women’s prison in 2020, the Ministry of Justice announced a series of improvements to maternity care in prisons. R. Travers considered these measures sufficient and chose not to initiate further action. Rianna now supports the organisations Level Up and No Births Behind Bars, stating that policy never lines up with what happens in practice.
A recent study shows that incarcerated women are seven times more likely to suffer stillbirth than the general population. This number is higher than in 2021.
Jenny North, “Gettingit right? Services for pregnantwomen, new mothers, and babies in prison “, 2013, p. 2. ↩
Childbirth takes place in
external care facilities
Security staff is prohibited from entering the room during labour and childbirth
Two officers escort women prisoners to hospital. They must then respect protocol as defined by the National Security Framework from 2015. “Escort staff will not be present in the delivery room, or in a room where intimate examinations are conducted, unless the prisoner requests it”. At least one of the security escorts must be a woman.
The use of instruments of restraint is forbidden during labour and childbirth
Mothers are allowed to keep their children with them
yes, until they are 18 months old
Mothers who request a spot in the mother and baby unit (MBU) are not entitled to legal representation, and many only learn about the process through word of mouth. Some requests have been wrongly rejected. These decisions are taken by four independent boards appointed by HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS). The Chief Social Worker’s report, published in November 2022, included concerns about the inconsistency of the decisions taken by these boards. Of the 39 rejections examined, 14 were considered troubling and three unreasonable.
The maternity services at Bronzefield women’s prison are, according to a report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman published in 2023, “outdated and inadequate”. The facility is “insufficiently resourced”. Not all mothers have access to the mother and baby unit, and there is no clear alternative.
Accommodation for children with their mothers is provided in the six MBUs (Mother and Baby Units) below:
- Bronzefield prison (12 places)
- Eastwood Park prison (12 places)
- Styal prison (12 places)
- New Hall prison (10 places)
- Peterborough prison (12 places)
- Askham Grange prison (10 places).
The PSI 49/2014 states that MBUs must allow “the serene and healthy development of the child”. A cooking plan is available to mothers to prepare meals.[^Cook] These units must also include a supervised nursery so that mothers can attend classes or work.1
Jeanette HALL, Nancy LOUCKS, Nicola PADFIELD, “Le système pénitentiaire anglais et gallois”, Centre de Recherche sur la Justice Pénale et Pénitentiaire (CRJ2P/IFTJ), 2024, p. 8 (in French). ↩
Security staff of Mother-Baby Units are made up specifically of trained childcare workers and supervisors. They are registered with Ofsted. Supervisors wear uniforms. 1
Prisoner’s Advice Service, “Mother and Baby Units (MBUs): Self help toolkit)”, 2017, p.3. ↩
The secretary of state is responsible for providing “everything necessary for the baby’s maintenance and care”. (Prison rule No. 12). The facility establishes a specific management plan within four weeks of admission to the unit. Essential equipment is also provided (a bed for the child etc.). The mother may receive family benefits. She must use these benefits for the needs of the child. The facility is required to encourage the child’s relationship with the outside world (Outings etc.) as well as helping to maintain family links. If released on temporary license (ROTL), members of staff or the mother accompanies the child outside of prison.
Minors
The law bans the imprisonment of minors
Minimum age of imprisonment for minors
10 years
Incarcerated minors
The Youth Justice Board’s annual report highlighted the demographic differences among the population of incarcerated youth.
White children represented 70% of the children cautioned or sentenced, and ethnic minority groups, 30%. Black children were three times as likely to be cautioned or sentenced than White children.
Most children in detention were aged 15 to 17 (82%); the rest, aged 10 to 14. An overwhelming majority (87%) of children in detention were boys.1
Youth Justice Board, Annual report and accounts 2021/22, 2022 ↩
Variation in the number of incarcerated minors
decrease
The number of incarcerated minors decreases, between 2010 and 2020, by more than 75 %. About a third are in remand detention.
This number decreases by 25 % between January 2020 (508)1 and January 2021 (381).
Council of Europe, SPACE I, Report 2020, p. 46. ↩
Ministry in charge of incarcerated minors
the Youth Justice Board
The Youth Justice Board (YJB) is a non-ministerial executive body.
In England and Wales minors are subject to a specific justice system. The YJB oversee the handling of cases involving minors. Offences committed by minors aged 10 to 17 are judged by a juvenile court.
The sanctions provided by the law for minors are as follows:
- A reparation order: usually issued for the “least serious offences”. The reparation must be completed within three months.
- A referral order: issued to minors who plead guilty. The offender is brought before a Youth Offender Panel and is accompanied by a parent. A rehabilitative and restorative contract lasting between three to twelve months is agreed.
- A rehabilitation order with intensive supervision: the offender is kept on probation for up to three years.
- An intensive supervision and surveillance issue: an intensive program geared towards reintegration to society. Minors are kept under tight supervision. They are subject to a curfew, controlled by an electronic tag.
- A detention and training order: a prison sentence applicable to minors aged between 12 to 17 years. It may last between 4 and 24 months. The first half of the sentence isserved in a secure environment. The body responsible for young offenders (Youth Offending Team, YOT) supervises the second half of the sentence.
These custodial sentences for minors (section 91) are issued by the Court of the Crown (Crown Court, higher court) for those accused of “serious offences” (violent and sexual offences listed in section 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act of 2000). These sentences generally last over two years.
Courts can also rule:
- A discharge from sentencing: the court finds the accused guilty but is discharged.
- A conditional discharge): the offender is not sanctioned, but must abide a period of time in which no other offence must be committed
- A fine
- A compensatory fine: when a person is sentenced they may receive a compulsory surcharge. Ranging from £10 to £30, this surcharge is used to fund services for the victim.
The maximum possible sentence for children convicted of murder increased from 12 years to 27 years in prison. An article published in the journal Youth Justice examines whether deterrent sentencing is appropriate for minors from legal, criminological and neuroscientific perspectives.
The Youth Custody Service (YCS) decides where people under the age of 18 should be placed. A minor in custody may be placed in a young offender’s institution (YOI), in a secure training centre (STC) or in a secure children’s home (SCH). The individual circumstances and possible risks of each young person are taken into account when deciding on a placement. Girls under the age of 18 are placed either in an STC or SCH.
Both public and private young offender institutions (YOI) accommodate boys between the ages of 15 to 21. The operational capacity at these facilities varies from between 60 to 400 people (30 to 60 people per unit). There are 5 YOI centres:
- Cookham Wood prison (Rochester, Kent):operational capacity (OC) of 188 places
- Feltham prison (Middlesex): OC of 180 places
- Parc prison (Bridgend): OC of 60 places. Private management (provider: G4S)
- Werrington prison (West Yorkshire): OC of 118
- Wetherby prison (West Yorkshire): OC of 288 places 1
Public and private secure training centres (STC), are institutions for minors up to the age of 17. They generally include girls over the age of 12 and boys between the ages of 12 to 14. If boys are considered to be vulnerable, after assessment, they can be placed in an STC until the age of 17. These typically accommodate between 50 to 80 people (5 to 8 people per unit). There are three STCs:
- Medway (Rochester, Kent): OC of 67 girls and boys
- Oakhill (Milton Keynes): OC of 80 boys. Private management (provider: G4S)
- Rainsbrook (Rugby): OC of 76 girls and boys. Private management (provider: MTCnovo)2
Secure Children’s Homes (SCH) accommodate minors aged between 10 and 14. These centres do not belong to the prison administration but are managed by local authorities. They can accommodate 8 to 40 children[^Estate]. There are 15 SCHs. Ofsted, rather than HM Inspectorate of Prisons inspects SCHs in England and the Care and Social services with Estyn inspects SCHs in Wales (Estyn) 3.
Boys between the ages of 15 and 17 with complex needs can be placed in the Keppel unit of Wetherby Prison. These complex needs include “(among others) high risk to self and/ or others, physical or mental health needs, learning disabilities, communication needs and substance misuse“. The Keppel Unit has 48 places. It provides on-site teaching and care and has a team trained to work with “young people deemed to have comple needs”. 4:
Young pregnant women, or young mothers with a child under the age of 18 months can be placed in a Mother-Baby unit.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons, “Children in Custody 2017–18: An analysis of 12–18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions (Analysis of experiences of young people from 12 to 18 years placed in STC and YOI) “, 2019, p. 16. ↩
HM Inspectorate of Prisons, “Children in Custody 2017–18: An analysis of 12–18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions (Analysis of experiences of young people from 12 to 18 years placed in STC and YOI)”, 2019, p. 16. ↩
HM Inspectorate of Prisons, “Children in Custody 2017–18: An analysis of 12–18-year-olds’ perceptions of their experiences in secure training centres and young offender institutions (Analysis of experiences of young people from 12 to 18 years placed in STC and YOI)”, 2019, p. 14. ↩
HM Prison & Probation Service and Youth Custody Service, “Guidance for the placement of young people with complex needs” 2012, p. 3. ↩
Figures on minors in prison are published
on a regular basis, every month
Minors in prison are separated from adults
yes
Young prisoners between the ages of 15 to 17 are accommodated in Young Offender Institutions and are separate from those aged between 18 to 20.
The law provides for single cell accommodation for minors
yes
The schooling of minors is compulsory
Incarcerated minors (up to the age of 16 in England and Wales) receive a compulsory education and benefit from at least 15 hours per week of lessons or educational programmes (YOI Rule 32.4).1
Special arrangements must be made for minors over the age of 17 with specific educational needs (YOI Rule 38).
HM Inspectorate of Prisons reported, in 2023, that time spent on education in YOIs was barely higher than half of the pre-Covid rate: most children received 15 hours of education per week, compared with 27 before. The report notes that, on the whole, young offender institutions are unable to provide enough activities.
Nicola Padfield & Nancy Loucks, “Le système pénitentiaire anglais et gallois” (The English and Welsh prison system), in J. Céré and C. E. Japiassú (éds.), Les systèmes pénitentiaires dans le monde (Prison systems in the world), 2018, p. 36. ↩
The law prohibits strip searches for minors
Prison facilities must keep a record of all full searches. 1
Ministry of Justice, PSI 07/2016 on the search of people ↩
The law forbids solitary confinement for minors
Solitary confinement for juvenile offenders is used as a method to maintain a degree of order and discipline or if it’s in their best interest. (YOI Rule 49). A young offender can appeal against being placed in solitary confinement before and after the decision is made. 1
The law prohibits the use of solitary confinement as a means of disciplining young offenders. (YOI Rule 60(f).
The Chief Inspector of Prisons reported, in November 2023, that two minors at Cookham Wood YOI had allegedly been held in solitary confinement for almost 100 days
Department of Justice, PSO1700 on Isolation. ↩
Specific activities are planned for minors and vary depending on the establishment. As a general rule there is more emphasis on professional or academic training (English and mathslessons). Secure training and childcare centres must guarantee children 30 hours weekly education and training.
Lessons reflect those given in schools. One of the rules of Young Offender Institutions, implemented in 2000, (YOI Rules 2000) specifies that institutions must help young prisoners to reintegrate by “suggesting a programme of activities, including teaching, training and work enabling offenders to acquire or develop a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, physical health, interests and skills and to find, when released, a job that suits them.”
The majority of education is provided by private, profit making, companies.
Education contracts at Young Offender Institutions last for five years. They are managed by the Education & Skills Funding Agency. Their funding ranges from between £38 million to £60 million.
The number of specially trained staff varies according to the type of facility. Staff working in secure children’s homes are well trained. They demonstrate the ability to “teach, care and exhibit behavioural skills particularly suited to the needs of children”. According to the Howard League, staff at Secure Training Centres (STCs) are fewer and not as well trained. Their approach is more punitive. Young Offender Institutions are larger and there are less well-trained staff. Opportunities to work, activities and training are also fewer. These establishments are, according to the Howard League, “totally unsuitable for children”. These are secure institutions where the majority of incarcerated children are detained.
Facilities for young offenders have the highest degree of violence. 1 The rate of assaults (2,750 per 1,000 young prisoners) is almost seven times higher in youth offender facilities than in those for adults (403 per 1,000 prisoners) 2
Nicola Padfield & Nancy Loucks, “Le système pénitentiaire anglais et gallois” (The English and Welsh prison system), in J. Céré and C. E. Japiassú (éds.), Les systèmes pénitentiaires dans le monde (Prison systems in the world), 2018, p. 36. ↩
Ministry of Justice, safety in custody summary tables up to September 2018. ↩
Foreign prisoners
Number and percentage of foreign prisoners
The most common nationalities in prisons are Polish (9%), Albanian (8%), Romanian (8%), Irish (8%) and Jamaican (5%). 1
Ministry of Justice, “Offender Management Statistics Bulletin, England and Wales “, p. 3. ↩
Foreign prisoners are informed of their right to communicate with their consular representatives
When foreign prisoners are arrested they are informed of their right to contact the appropriate consular office or High Commission ad hoc. They can send a letter to the consular authorities at the establishment’s expense. 1
Ministry of Justice, PSI 49/2011 on communications from detained persons p. 20. ↩
The prison regulations are translated for foreign prisoners
yes
The prison administration provides foreign prisoners with a factsheet concerning migrants kept in prison once their sentence has ended. Prison Reform Trust developed this document in 2013 in partnership with the former body providing assistance and advice to migrants at risk of detention or detainees (Detention Advice Service, DAS).
Foreign prisoners can be assisted by an interpreter
in some cases
Foreign prisoners may have access to a professional interpreter in court, during interviews with a lawyer or during police interrogations in prison. They can have free access to an interpreter for a court tribunal. Foreign prisoners, like all foreign people in the UK, may have access to an interpreter to communicate with state agencies (hospitals, social services, drug and alcohol addiction counselling and probation services, police station, etc…). If a foreign prisoner receives legal aid they are able to finance the services of an interpreter for discussions with their lawyer. The lawyer claims the interpreter’s fee as a government expenses.The lawyer must consider the necessity for an interpreter. The lawyer accompanies the interpreter to the prison. 1
Information provided to Prison Insider by MateiClej, court interpreter, 18 April 2019. ↩
Foreign prisoners are entitled to legal aid
Illegal residence in the UK is punishable by imprisonment. The Immigration Act of 1971 (Section 24) allows the issuing of a fine and / or six months imprisonment
These can begiven as a result of:
- Illegal entry into the UK
- Overstaying
- Refusal to leave the country
- Failing to report to a medical officer
- Violation of a condition of authorisation for temporary admission
- Escaping during an administrative removal procedure.
- Unlawful boarding.
Foreign prisoners are allowed to remain in the country after having served their sentence
no
Foreign prisoners sentenced to 12 months or more imprisonment under the UK Borders Act of 2007, and outside the European Economic Area (EEA), are automatically deported at the end of their sentence. They can avoid this if they demonstrate that the deportation “violates their rights guaranteed by the Human Rights Act”. Foreign nationals of an EEA country can only be deported in accordance to “public action, public security or public health”. Irish citizens are only deported in exceptional circumstances.1
It is the decision of the Borders and Immigration Agency to deport prisoners at the end of their sentences. The prisoner is informed of the decision and an IDO (Immigration Detention Order) is sent to the appropriate facility. Foreign prisoners refusing deportation may be able to make an appeal via a counsellor. Prisoners are kept in detention or transferred to detention centres whilst their deportation is pending.2
Prisoners’ Advice Service, “Information Sheet: Foreign National/s in the prison system p. 1. ↩
Prison Reform Trust and HM Prison Service/NOMS, “Prisoners’ Information Book: male prisoners and young offenders” 2008, p. 152. ↩
Foreign prisoners are allowed to work while incarcerated
The PSI 49/2011 on prisoner communication services guarantees foreign prisoners, or prisoners whose close family live abroad, a free call of five minutes every four weeks. This is granted if the prisoner has not been visited by someone close to them in the previous four weeks. Foreign prisoner are allowed to make calls outside of regular hours if the time difference between their country of origin and the United Kingdom makes it necessary. Financial assistance is granted if essential. Women detained at Holloway Prison receive an additional phone credit each month when they have no family visits. 1
HM Inspectorate of Prisons, Life in prison: Earning and spending money, January 2016, p. 8. ↩
According to Nicola Padfield, there is a current lack of a national policy concerning foreign prisoners. She states that institutions do not possess a definite number of foreign prisoners held under their authority. 1
Foreign prisoners can seek the help of the following organisations:
- The Immigration Advisory Service (legal assistance group for migrants)
- The Detention Advice Service (DAS, body providing assistance and advice to migrants at risk of detention or detained)
- The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI, independent organisation providing legal support to migrants and combating discrimination)
- The Refugee Legal Centre (RLC, provides assistance to asylum seekers) 2
Nicola Padfield & Nancy Loucks, “Le système pénitentiaire anglais et gallois” (The English and Welsh prison system), in J. Céré and C. E. Japiassú (éds.), Les systèmes pénitentiaires dans le monde (Prison systems in the world), 2018, p. 38. ↩
Prison Reform Trust and HM Prison Service / NOMS, “Prisoners’ Information Book: male prisoners and young offenders, 2008, p. 20-21. ↩
Long-term prisoners
Cumulative sentences have a limit
The court decides if a sentence should be served consecutively or concurrently. The court considers whether the issued sentence is “just and proportionate”.1
Sentencing Council “A Short Guide: Sentencing for multiple offences (Totality), p. 2-3. ↩
There are specific prison facilities for long-term prisoners
Prisoners serving long sentences are not subject to a specific prison regime. Specific regimes are considered for prisoners on an individual basis, based on gender, age and the presumed dangerous nature of the person (refer to the section Prison population).
Life sentences are banned
The Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP governed by the Criminal Justice Act 2003) allowed indefinite imprisonment if the court deemed the convicted prisoner to be a continued threat to society. Its abolition in 2012 has not been implemented retrospectively. The people still serving an IPP represent, in 2022, 16 % of the carceral population. Experts Dirk van Zyl Smit and Catherine Appleton consider an IPP to be an unofficial life sentence. 1
The Justice Committee has requested that the government re-sentence prisoners serving Imprisonment for Public Prosecution (IPP) sentences in order to adjust these sentences. The Committee published a report on the issue in which it claims that IPP sentences cause significant harm to the people who received them due to the lack of a sentence end date. It called for the creation of an action plan to manage prisoners with IPP sentences, in particular through a collaboration with the senior judiciary to put in place the new sentences.
Following new reforms in 2023, people serving an IPP in the community will have their sentence re-examined after three years instead of ten. Around 1,800 people will be affected by this measure.
Prison Reform Trust, Bromley Briefings Prison Fact file, 2018, p. 9. ↩
People serving a life sentence
Variation in the number of people serving a life sentence
increase
The number of people condemned to a life sentence increases by 1,97 % between December 2019 (7 060)1 and December 2022 (7 199).
ministry of justice, Offender management statistics ↩
Life sentences, are, with the abolition of the death penalty in 1965, systematically issued in murder cases. A murder conviction can be given without the intent to kill or to someone who has failed to prevent a murder. 1 Rape and armed robbery are also punishable by life imprisonment.
Prison Reform Trust, Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile, 2018, p. 6. ↩
There are specific prison facilities for life-sentenced prisoners
Prisoners serving a life sentence are not subject to a specific prison regime. However, special prison regimes are considered in relation to the age or the presumed dangerous nature of the prisoner. (See section Prison population).
A person sentenced to life imprisonment may be able to apply for parole. This is only possible after their minimum sentence is completed.
Once the prisoner is released, they become subject to an indefinite supervised release on licence. They can be returned to prison at any time.
The average minimum length of term for murder convictions increased in England and Wales from 12.5 years in 2003, to 21.3 years in 2016. The law, created in 2003, established minimum term requirements for a large number of punishable offences, which require life sentencing. A whole life order is “the harshest of sentences”. A minimum term is not served for a whole life order. Its aim is to detain the prisoners until their death. No review or release is possible. No prisoner with a life order has ever been released. 1
The Minister of Justice announced, in 2022, a reform of the parole system. The new, stricter conditions introduced by the reform will make it more difficult for prisoners serving indeterminate sentences (minimum sentences, Imprisonment for Public Protection, and life sentences) to access this sentencing reduction. HM Prison & Probation Service claimed that the reform will reduce the number of people serving indeterminate sentences deemed fit for transfer to an open regime. The Service addressed prisoners who might be worried about the consequences of these changes, suggesting they rely on their usual support network or call the Samaritans, a helpline for people with suicidal thoughts.
A reform to parole rules was introduced, on 6 June 2022 by the Minister of Justice. This reform makes it harder for people serving indeterminate sentences to be placed in open prisons.
In the six months preceding the reform, the success rate of requests for transfers to open prisons was 54%, compared with 12% in the four months following the change.
For requests to be accepted, three criteria must be met:
-
The prisoner is deemed unlikely to attempt escape.
-
Spending time in an open facility is considered essential to prepare for a potential future release.
-
The transfer to an open prison will not undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Prior to the reform, only the first criterion was required.
Prison Reform Trust, Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile, 2018, p. 6. ↩
Untried prisoners
Percentage of untried prisoners
Variation in the number of untried prisoners
increase
The number of untried prisoners increases by 45,7 % between December 2019 (9 708)1 and December 2022 (14 143).
ministry of justice, Offender management statistics ↩
Untried prisoners are separated from the convicted
This rule is often disregarded.
Defendants are generally kept in local prisons (see Prison facilities section)1.
Nicola Padfield & Nancy Loucks, “Le système pénitentiaire anglais et gallois” (The English and Welsh prison system), in J. Céré and C. E. Japiassú (éds.), Les systèmes pénitentiaires dans le monde (Prison systems in the world), 2018, p. 35. ↩
The law provides for release on bail for untried prisoners
A defendant who has been released on bail discloses their home address to the court. If reasonable grounds exist, bail can be continually requested. The court subsequently imposes the conditions of bail (for example, a daily appearance in court or at the police station, placement under electronic surveillance, etc.).1
Prison Reform Trust and HM Prison Service / NOMS, “Prisoners’ Information Book: male prisoners and young offenders, 2008, p. 11. ↩
The length of a Custody time limit (CTL) is defined by the Prosecution of Offences Act of 1985. This is 112 days for an adult accused of an indictable offence. 1
The legal period of a custody time limit for a criminal act tried by a Crown Court (indictable only offence) is 182 days. The public prosecutor may request an extension of the legal duration of detention. No time limit is set for the crime of treason. 2
“Minor offences” are likely to be tried swiftly by a specific court (Magistrate’s Court) whilst “serious offences” are tried by a Crown Court. ↩
J. Lennon & A. Rahman, Rahman Ravelli Solicitors Ltd, “ Custody Time Limits “, 2009. ↩
Unconvicted prisoners are treated as if they were innocent. They receive certain benefits, including:
- Benefits from the NHS (National Health Service) as well as private healthcare if they so choose
- They retain the right to vote
- Personal clothing is allowed
- Work is not compulsory 1
- They may receive a greater number of visitation rights than convicts. Every defendant has the right to three weekly visits of one hour. One of these visits can take place on weekends. 2
The Chief Inspector of Prisons has criticised the conditions of unconvicted prisoners on several occasions in recent years. He was concerned that the accommodation provided did not respect their fundamental rights. He was particularly concerned by an increase in physical harm, such as higher rates of suicide and self-harm. 3
Prison Reform Trust and HM Prison Service / NOMS, “Prisoners’ Information Book: male prisoners and young offenders, 2008, p. 14-15. ↩
Ministry of Justice, PSI 16/2011 on visits and visitor services. ↩
Nicola Padfield & Nancy Loucks, “Le système pénitentiaire anglais et gallois” (The English and Welsh prison system), in J. Céré and C. E. Japiassú (éds.), Les systèmes pénitentiaires dans le monde (Prison systems in the world), 2018, p. 35. ↩
Minorities or indigenous people
Data collection about prisoners’ minority or indigenous background is allowed
As of June 2018, 73% of men and 83% of women in prisons were white, whilst 13% of men and 8% of women were black.1
Minority or indigenous backgrounds are criteria for specific cell or unit assignment
no
Prisoners belonging to specific minority or ethnic groups are not subject to a particular prison regime.
The specific needs of prisoners are taken into account with regard to
- language
- religion
- dietary requirements
The average length of sentences varies considerably among ethnic groups. 1 Sentences served by white prisoners are shorter (by 18 months) than that of other groups. Ethnic groups with the longest average length of detention are Asian (27 months), followed by Black (26 months) and Mixed Raced (22 months) offenders. Men, women and children of these groups tend to be given longer sentences. Ministry of Justice data show that Black prisoners are held 70% longer than white prisoners while awaiting trials and sentencing. The proportion of Black minors awaiting trial in London rose from 60% in 2020 to 74% in 2021. Minors from Black or other minority ethnic backgrounds represent 57% of untried prisoners in England and Wales, in 2020 2.
Numerous prisoners have come forward as victims of racial discrimination, according to a report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons. Most of them describe the discrimination as “predominantly subtle, unconscious and difficult to identify”. The report notes that a disproportionate use of force is used against Black prisoners compared to other ethnic groups. Black people are nearly twice as likely to report physical restraint, batons and incapacitant spray being used against them. Prison officers tend to consider Black people as a group rather than as individuals, notes the report. Of the Black prisoners surveyed, 38% felt that staff members do not treat them with respect. This figure is higher than for other ethnic groups.
According to figures from the Ministry of Justice, Black prisoners are seven times more likely to have pepper spray used against them than White prisoners. The statistics also differentiate between the number of times pepper spray was drawn and the number of times it was used. When it was drawn against Black prisoners, it was used in 80% of cases, whereas it was used in only 68% of cases against White prisoners.
The ethnic groups mentioned above are listed in official UK government statistics. ↩
LBC, “74% of London children held in prisons awaiting trial are black, LBC investigation finds”, June 2021. ↩
LGBTQI+ people
The prosecution or imprisonment of a person on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity is banned
LGBTQI+ persons are separated from other prisoners
in some cases
In certain cases the prison governor will place transgender individuals in specific Care and Separation. However, the prison administration often advises against taking this decision. The Transgender Case Board must be informed within eight days of such a placement. This decision can be overturned in favour of alternative measures. 1
National Offender Management Service, “The Care and Management of Transgender Offender”, Instructions of 1 January 2017 on the management of transgender offenders, p. 18. ↩
The prison service provides certain special protective measures for LGBTQ prisoners. Prisons facilities must “take responsibility for the fight against discrimination and harassment on grounds of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability” (Equalities Act 2010). Some institutions have created support groups for LGBTQ people. 1
Private sanitary facilities are sometimes organised for transgender prisoners. Specific care is given to avoid the isolation of prisoners. The Minister of Justice also recommends allowing transgender people access to community centred support organisations. Online courses are offered to staff regarding the rights of transgender and non-binary persons. These personnel are encouraged to recognise gender identities and to ensure the personal safety of such prisoners. 2
Howard League, “Consensual sex among men in prison: Briefing paper 1” (note on consensual homosexual intercourse between men in prison). ↩
Department of Justice, “Review on the Care and Management of Transgender Offenders, December 2015, p. 6-7. ↩
Assignment of transgender prisoners to a specific facility depends on
-
Since February 2023, transgender women with male genitalia or who have committed violent crimes may no longer be held in women’s prisons.
The Ministry of Justice believes that “regardless of where prisoners are held, they should be respected in the gender in which they identify, being provided with those items that enable their gender expression”.1
Department of Justice, “Review on the Care and Management of Transgender Offenders”, December 2015, p. 5-6. ↩
Transgender prisoners are entitled to customised searches
“Prisoners who have requested or obtained legal recognition of the gender of which they identify must be searched in accordance with their legal gender, unless otherwise agreed”.
A transgender prisoner seeking recognition for their gender transition must indicate to the chair of the Transgender Case Board or appropriate staff their preferences for searches. Searches must reflect the legal gender of the offender. It is possible for prisoners who have not obtained legal recognition of their gender to reach a voluntary agreement (VA). This type of agreement can also be initiated for gender-fluid offenders (cross-dresser, non-binary etc). 1 The terms of search are specified in the agreement.
National Offender Management Service, “The Care and Management of Transgender Offenders”, Instructions from the 1 January 2017 on the management of transgender offenders, p. 15. ↩
Transgender prisoners benefit from specific health care
in certain cases
The prison service insures that transgender prisoners suffering from gender dysphoria receive the same treatment as they would outside. This includes consultations, pre-operative and post-operative care and continuous access to hormonal treatment. Prisoners can also request re-assignment surgery. The general practitioner of the facility is then required to consult an expert in gender dysphoria. 1
National Offender Management Service, “The Care and Management of Transgender Offenders”, Instructions of 1 January 2017 on the management of transgender offenders, p. 17-18. ↩
Conjugal visits are allowed for LGBTQI+ prisoners
the law does not mention conjugal visits
Elderly prisoners
The prison service keeps a record of elderly prisoners
Statistics from 2002 to 2016 demonstrate that prisoners aged 60 and over were the fastest growing group in prisons.
Number and percentage of elderly prisoners
The Care Act of 2014 guarantees the social protection of incarcerated, disabled and elderly people. It states that “elderly people have the right to the same public protection as they would receive outside of the prison system”. Local authorities must guarantee adequate support, evaluations and meet the needs of elderly prisoners. According to the Prison Reform Trust, there is little national strategy aimed at the specific needs of elderly prisoners. This is causing situational disparity.
In general, support is considered on an individual basis for these prisoners. Prison Reform Trust acknowledges some best practices. For example, young offenders in certain facilities are trained to care for people with physical of mental disabilities. Individual needs in the training and teaching of older people are also often considered. Certain facilities have specially adapted areas for people over the age of 50 and can be visited by Age UK, a charitable organisation.1
A Nuffield Trust study found, in 2023, that prisons are not currently equipped to address the specific health needs of older prisoners. Over 40% of male prisoners aged 50 or older who were admitted to hospital in an emergency showed signs of frailty, thus risking a negative health outcome.
Prison Reform Trust and Restore Support Network, “Social care or systematic neglect? Older people on release from prison”, 2016, p. 5-8. ↩
The law does not provide the early release of elderly prisoners. However, theymight be eligible for release for certain medical reasons (refer to the sentence in the sentence adjustment section).
Persons with disabilities
Prison facilities are adapted to the needs of prisoners with disabilities
in some facilities
Members of staff from “Diversity teams” are trained in the care of prisoners with disabilities. These diversity officers (equality officers, disability liaison officers) are taught how to support, inform and advise these prisoners. They can also work alongside medical staff and those in charge of the unit to ensure proper care is administered. 1
The Equality Act of 2010 states that “prisoners with disabilities must receive the necessary assistance to do the same activities as other prisoners, such as working or going to the gym”. 2
Prisoners with disabilities can have access to a nurse or a doctor. They can also request assistance from the diversity team. Prison rules and regulations are made accessible via simplified text or audio recordings.
The facility must provide “reasonable accommodation” either by adapting the facility or by transferring the prisoner. The prisoner is able to request a wheelchair or walking stick via social services.
Members of staff are required to help prisoners with disabilities, or ask for help from trained inmates. They support them with various tasks, such as; reading, filling out forms, using the telephone, washing their clothes, following medical treatments and accessing information. Specially trained prisoners will occasionally wear a particular T-shirt or a band to distinguish them. 3
National Offender Management Service and Prison Reform Trust, Information book for prisoners with a disability, p. 13. ↩
National Offender Management Service and Prison Reform Trust, Information book for prisoners with a disability, p. 5. ↩
Ibid., p. 18. ↩
Death penalty is abolished
yes
since 1998