“I will go further with a national rollout, beginning in two regions covering 20 prisons,” said Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, as the UK prepares to pilot chemical castration for sex offenders.
THE STANDARD
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that 20 prisons will pilot the chemical castration of sex offenders as part of a wider overhaul of the criminal justice system.
Speaking in the Commons, Mahmood said: “The review has recommended we continue a pilot of so-called medication to manage problematic sexual arousal. I will go further with a national rollout, beginning in two regions covering 20 prisons. And I am exploring whether mandating the approach is possible.”
The move follows recommendations from former justice secretary David Gauke’s independent review aimed at cutting reoffending and easing overcrowding.
Downing Street said chemical suppressants “may well be effective in tackling dangerous offenders.”
However, critics have raised ethical concerns. Pia Sinha of the Prison Reform Trust warned it could place doctors in “invidious” positions, while solicitor Marcus Johnstone said medication alone “won’t solve anything” without proper psychological support.
The review also proposes ending short sentences and expanding early release for well-behaved offenders — except for terrorists and the most dangerous criminals.