The UK government is preparing to introduce chemical castration for certain sex offenders as part of a larger plan to cut down reoffending and ease the pressure on overcrowded prisons.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the move in Parliament following the release of an independent sentencing review. The plan includes using medication that reduces sexual urges in 20 prisons across two regions. This method, known as chemical castration, is expected to be combined with therapy to address deeper behavioral issues like power and control, which drive some types of sexual crimes.
While this treatment may not be suitable for all offenders — especially those whose crimes aren’t linked to sexual desire — studies suggest it can reduce repeat offenses by up to 60 percent. Countries like Germany and Denmark have used similar treatments voluntarily, while in Poland, it has been mandatory in some cases.
The idea comes from a broader review led by former justice secretary David Gauke, aimed at easing the strain on the prison system, which is nearing full capacity. One of the proposals is to phase out prison sentences of less than 12 months for most crimes, except in special cases like domestic abuse. Instead, offenders would face alternative punishments such as community service, driving bans, or electronic tagging.
Foreign nationals sentenced to three years or less would also be deported immediately under the plan. To support rehabilitation efforts, Mahmood has pledged nearly £700 million a year to strengthen the probation system, allowing officers to better support offenders in the community.
This move comes after Mahmood earlier approved early prisoner releases to create space in the system — a measure she says she’s determined not to repeat. The reforms aim to bring long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.
Not everyone supports the plan. Conservative justice spokesperson Robert Jenrick argued that scrapping short sentences could weaken the justice system, calling electronic tagging “as useful as smoke alarms putting out bonfires” when it comes to stopping crime.
As part of the overall changes, the government is also preparing to build new prison facilities to replace outdated Victorian-era buildings still in use today.
The UK’s prison population has nearly doubled in the last three decades to around 90,000 inmates. Officials hope this new approach will not only relieve pressure on prisons but also help prevent offenders from committing new crimes after release.