The UK is preparing to release thousands of prisoners early to alleviate prison overcrowding, a plan that has raised concerns among neighboring countries, reports Politico.
Five European Union diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Politico that the British plan worries their countries; some expressed fear that their nationals could be returned without prior warning or communication. One diplomat noted that returning criminals without advance notice carries significant risk.
The new policy threatens British efforts to rebuild relations with the EU at a time when both sides are preparing for a major summit on trade issues.
The UK plans to release more than 2,500 prisoners by the end of the year, with 700 set to be freed as early as the 1st of October. Starting the 1st of January, 2027, the British government will lift the requirement that foreign offenders must serve a minimum portion of their sentence in the UK before being deported. A British government spokesperson stated that discussions with European partners on this matter are ongoing and that those who have committed serious offenses will not be released. Likewise, individuals for whom there is evidence suggesting they might continue to commit offenses will remain in custody.
Meanwhile, EU diplomats have pointed out that communication is limited.
The British government maintains that it cannot provide further details; however, there ought to be a degree of cooperation between police forces, including notification when a criminal is released. A diplomat added that embassies are also concerned about the lack of inter-departmental communication, noting that one ministry keeps referring inquiries back and forth to another.
A third diplomat described the situation as complex, noting concerns among European capitals that newly released criminals could simply board a plane to their country of origin and move about freely. These countries would like more information on the individuals being deported, yet the British side acts as if there is nothing to coordinate, effectively making it a unilateral deportation.
Prison reform advocates point out that many of these offenders would be deported after serving their sentences regardless; the changes will simply accelerate the process. Mark Day, Deputy Director of the Prison Reform Trust, stated that whether an individual needs to remain in prison depends on the receiving country. Some of the deported foreign nationals would no longer need to serve out their sentences, while others might be subject to a less restrictive form of detention. It was added that deportations remain subject to legal and practical constraints, including the need to ensure compliance with human rights laws and protections for asylum seekers.
The latest data from the British Ministry of Justice indicate that
foreign nationals account for approximately 12% of the total prison population in the UK.
The majority come from various EU countries—such as Poland and Romania—as well as from Albania, an EU candidate country. Current regulations include reporting mechanisms regarding the convictions of citizens from European nations. The government is currently examining whether additional public safety measures are required.
The issue of prisoners poses yet another test for the Labour government’s pledge to move beyond Brexit and rebuild relations with European allies. A summit is scheduled for later this year to discuss agreements aimed at smoothing bilateral trade, facilitating travel, and fostering closer cooperation on climate issues. A date for the summit has not yet been set. The prisoner release issue will not make work in other areas any easier. One of the diplomats stated that if any of the released criminals were to return home and commit a heinous act, a serious diplomatic conflict could ensue. He added that it was a matter of simple trust; the British are seeking the status of a trusted partner, yet the British government’s evasiveness acts like a ticking time bomb.
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