Understand
Conservatives pledge to build 50,000 new prison places in England and Wales
Overview
The Conservative Party has promised to build 50,000 new prison places in England and Wales to prevent the early release of criminals. The £2bn annual cost would be funded by spending cuts, including to the foreign aid budget. While the Tories claim the plans will be delivered within six to seven years, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Prison Governors' Association have raised doubts over credibility, funding, planning barriers, and a staffing crisis.
Key points
- The Conservatives pledged to build 50,000 new prison places in England and Wales if they return to government.
- The project would cost £2bn per year, funded by cuts to the foreign aid budget and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
- The announcement comes as hundreds of prisoners are released early under rules designed to prevent jails from reaching capacity.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated that violent criminals should not be let out early due to a lack of cells.
- Labour and the Liberal Democrats criticised the proposals as lacking credibility and being financially unviable.
- The Prison Governors' Association warned of a staffing crisis and questioned whether the new prisons could be operated safely and sustainably.