Women’s prison population rise projected up to 4,100 by September 2028 by Ministry of Justice

Women’s prison population rise projected up to 4,100 by September 2028 by Ministry of Justice

New figures from the Ministry of Justice have projected that the women’s prison population could rise to up to 4,100 by September 2028. As of this week, the current women’s population is just under 3,500.

Nicola Drinkwater, Director of External Affairs and Campaigns for Women in Prison, commented that:

“The Government has committed to reducing the number of women in prison and to set up a Women’s Justice Board, which should ensure this takes place.

This is a welcome measure, but unless the Women’s Justice Board is successful, we’re likely to see an increase of women in prison. That’s why the Board’s strategy and government action to address the root causes of women’s criminalisation is so important.

Prison is not a safe place for women and is not an appropriate response to the structural inequalities and harms that draw women into the criminal justice system.

We look forward to supporting the government as they embark on this important piece of work.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

  • Women in Prison is a national charity that delivers support for women affected by the criminal justice system in prisons, in the community and through our Women's Centres. We campaign to end the harm caused to women, their families and our communities by imprisonment.