Overcrowded prisons lead to increased violence

Overcrowded and unsafe prisons are becoming a hotbed for violence as new research, published on 19 June 2025, reveals offenders are nearly twenty per cent more likely to be involved in assaults in facilities operating beyond safe capacity. The study from the Ministry of Justice, HM Prison Service, and Lord Timpson OBE establishes, for the first time, a direct correlation between overcrowded conditions and increased violence behind bars.

In 2024, the rate of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults in men’s prisons surged by 11 per cent compared to the previous year, with facilities running at over 99 per cent capacity. Similarly, assaults on diligent prison staff rose by 13 per cent, bringing to light the urgent need for reform. Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, stated, “These stark findings confirm what we’ve already seen – dangerously full prisons lead to more crime and more violence. This not only risks the safety of our hardworking staff but means our prisons are failing one of their most important functions – cutting crime.”

To address the turmoil, the UK Government is taking significant steps. Landmark sentencing reforms announced last month by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood will ensure that offenders who misbehave in prison face longer sentences, aiming to reduce both violence and drug use in jails. Backing this initiative, the Government has allocated £40 million this year to improve prison security. This funding will be used for a variety of enhancements, including the installation of new security measures such as window replacements, CCTV upgrades, and control room improvements.

Timpson further emphasised the importance of reforms, saying, “We must end this chaos. That is why as part of our Plan for Change we are reforming sentencing and building 14,000 extra prison places by 2031.” The multi-faceted approach includes also addressing contraband issues that exacerbate conflict within prisons. The initiative promises to clamp down on the influx of drones aiding in the smuggling of illegal items, relying on collaborative efforts from the National Crime Agency and other law enforcement bodies.

The £40 million investment not only aims to enhance safety in prisons but also seeks to rehabilitate inmates more effectively, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending upon release. In addition, a significant budget of £7 billion has been earmarked to fund the construction of 14,000 new prison places by 2031, ensuring that prisons can safely accommodate incoming offenders.

As further measures are rolled out, including a trial of tasers and the deployment of protective body armour for prison officers in high-security environments, both the government and prison authorities are keen to enhance both safety and security, working towards a more effective justice system in the UK