UK Considers Renting Prison Cells in Estonia

The UK government is considering sending offenders to Estonian prisons to alleviate severe overcrowding in its own facilities, which are currently at a record high occupancy rate. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has highlighted the urgency of the situation, with only around 1,000 spaces left in England and Wales' jails, and plans for early release of prisoners already underway. Estonia's Justice Minister, Liisa Pakosta, confirmed discussions with Mahmood but noted that no formal agreements have been made yet. While the UK government is exploring various options, including renting prison space in Estonia, both past and present ministers have acknowledged the potential financial implications of such a scheme. The overcrowding crisis has led to emergency measures such as the use of police cells for inmates and a reduction in the mandatory time served before release. With the prison population having risen by over 1,000 recently, officials stress the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the justice system.