A damning independent report has revealed that the UK prison system teetered on the edge of collapse three times under Rishi Sunak’s last government, as officials failed to take urgent action to reduce inmate numbers. The system, described as “in crisis” from late 2023 to mid-2024, faced severe overcrowding and near-total capacity in adult male prisons.
What Happened
According to the Independent Review of Prison Capacity, authored by former chief inspector of prisons Dame Anne Owers, the UK’s prison network was pushed to its limits on multiple occasions—at times within three days of total breakdown. The 72-page report, commissioned by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood in February 2025, outlines how the previous Conservative government repeatedly refused to act on urgent calls to implement early release schemes, despite overwhelming evidence of system-wide strain.
During peak periods of overcrowding, the prison estate operated at over 97.5% capacity, with fewer than 100 spaces remaining in adult male prisons. This placed the justice system on the verge of chaos. Emergency COBRA meetings were convened in the run-up to the 2024 general election to discuss invoking emergency powers for early prisoner releases to prevent collapse and avoid potential public disorder.
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Background or Timeline
The crisis began to unfold in autumn 2023, as pressure mounted across the prison estate. Then-Justice Secretary Alex Chalk reportedly urged Downing Street as early as mid-2023 to authorize early release programs for inmates serving standard determinate sentences. However, these proposals were consistently rebuffed by No. 10, leading to internal frustration and alarm.
Ministers and senior officials told the review team they were kept in a state of “paralysis,” fearing public scrutiny and the political consequences of early releases. Officials even documented every decision and communication, anticipating a future public inquiry.
The situation only shifted when Labour came to power, introducing early release schemes in response to capacity emergencies. Despite this, the system still remains at critical levels.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The revelations have sparked fierce political debate and public concern over the management of the UK’s criminal justice system. Labour’s Shabana Mahmood condemned the previous government, stating that the Conservatives had “brought our jails close to total collapse on countless occasions” and failed to invest in sustainable prison infrastructure over 14 years.
Social media users and advocacy groups echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential risk to public safety and the inhumane conditions faced by inmates in an overstretched system. Meanwhile, some critics expressed alarm at the secrecy surrounding the early release of more than 10,000 prisoners, accusing the former administration of prioritizing optics over planning.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
In response, a Conservative Party spokesperson defended their approach, claiming their priority had been to ensure criminals served proper sentences, while blaming Labour for scrapping their controversial plan to use prisons abroad. They criticized Labour for allegedly allowing “violent criminals back on our streets.”
Justice Secretary Mahmood has promised reforms aimed at both expanding capacity and improving prison conditions, while also holding those responsible for past failures accountable.
With further protests and arrests expected in the coming days—especially surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations and asylum-seeker hotel disputes—the pressure on an already strained justice system is likely to escalate.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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