UK government considers renting prison space in Estonia

The UK government is exploring options to address the overcrowding crisis in its prisons, with reports suggesting a potential plan to send convicted criminals to Estonia. The Ministry of Justice is considering this after the prison population in England and Wales reached a record high of 88,521, with only 83 spare spaces available. The situation has been exacerbated by the previous government's closure of numerous prison facilities without replacements. Angela Eagle, a Home Office minister, acknowledged the crisis but did not confirm the specifics of the plan, emphasizing the need for adequate prison space for serious offenders. The Estonian government has offered to rent out its spare prison capacity, as its low crime rate has left many of its facilities underutilized. Discussions regarding this potential partnership are expected to take place between the UK Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and her Estonian counterpart, Liisa Pakosta, during a Council of Europe event in Vilnius. The collaboration could provide financial benefits for Estonia, estimated at around €30 million, while also alleviating the pressure on the UK prison system. The proposal has faced criticism from various quarters, including the Labour Party and the Prison Reform Trust, who view it as a sign of governmental mismanagement. As part of the emergency measures to manage the prison population, the UK plans to release approximately 5,500 prisoners over the next two months, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.