The UK government is reportedly considering a controversial plan to send British prisoners to Estonia in an effort to address the ongoing overcrowding crisis in prisons across England and Wales. Sources claim the proposal is “on the table” as the Ministry of Justice explores all viable options to alleviate pressure on the country’s overburdened penal system.

Estonia, with its relatively low crime rate, has offered to rent out available prison space to other countries, including the UK and Sweden. Many of the country’s prisons are reportedly operating at half capacity. Estonian Minister of Justice Liisa Pakosta has estimated the potential deal to be worth £25 million and suggested that talks with the UK government are already underway.

A government insider has revealed that discussions between Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Pakosta were expected during a Council of Europe event in Lithuania on Thursday. Estonia is seen as a viable option due to the lower cost of housing prisoners there compared to the UK.

This proposal comes as British prisons edge closer to breaking point. As of August 30, 2024, the prison population in England and Wales reached 88,350, the highest figure since 2011. Some judges have been urged to refrain from sentencing offenders for low-level crimes, and thousands of inmates are expected to be released early to create space.

The early release plan, which begins on 10 September, will see 5,500 offenders released early, though it does not apply to those convicted of sex offences, terrorism, domestic abuse, or violent crimes.

International Precedents and Concerns

Renting prison space from other countries is not a new concept. Norway and Belgium have previously rented prison space in the Netherlands, though the associated costs were high, with Norway paying £100,000 per prisoner annually. The estimated cost of housing UK prisoners in Estonia would be significantly lower, ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 per inmate, according to government sources.

However, concerns have been raised about the overall expense of the scheme. Costs associated with flights, prison staff relocation, and the potential burden on taxpayers to fund prisoner family visits abroad have prompted some officials to question the feasibility of the plan.

A source involved in the initial planning phase under the previous Conservative government remarked, “It was very expensive—potentially prohibitively so.”

Despite these concerns, the Labour government, which inherited the current prison crisis, is actively exploring all options to address overcrowding. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated, “We will continue to investigate all viable options to increase the number of places in the prison estate so we can keep locking up dangerous criminals and protect the public.

While the idea of sending prisoners to Estonia may face logistical and financial hurdles, it remains one of the many solutions being considered as the government grapples with the urgent need for more prison space.