UK Prison System Nears Collapse Multiple Times Autumn 2023–Summer 2024

An independent review by former prisons chief inspector Dame Anne Owers has revealed that England's prison system came within days of collapse on multiple occasions between autumn 2023 and summer 2024, primarily due to chronic overcrowding and systemic issues persisting over 18 years. The review criticizes the previous government under Rishi Sunak for repeatedly refusing to implement early release schemes and contingency plans until the prison estate was nearly overwhelmed, with fewer than 100 spaces left in adult male prisons at one point. Officials even convened emergency Cobra meetings and considered invoking civil contingencies legislation to release prisoners to prevent riots and public disorder. The crisis led to significant financial costs, including over £70 million for holding prisoners in police cells and a near doubling of new prison construction costs to £10.1 billion. Dame Anne calls for a strategic, long-term approach emphasizing investment in probation and community services to reduce offending and reoffending, alongside establishing independent oversight bodies to monitor prison and probation service plans. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for systemic reform beyond short-term fixes.