The prisons minister strongly criticized Nigel Farage’s proposal to construct prefabricated makeshift prisons as “completely absurd.” James Timpson, with extensive experience in the justice field, expressed concerns about the safety of such ‘papier-mache’ facilities for both staff and the public, dismissing the Reform UK leader’s concept.
Ahead of Reform UK’s upcoming annual conference, focusing on justice, crime, and migration issues post Mr. Farage’s ‘Lawless Britain’ campaign, Minister Timpson shared his views. Mr. Farage’s initiative to allocate £5 billion for constructing five low-security ‘Nightingale’ prisons on unused Ministry of Defence land was questioned by Lord Timpson. The idea, inspired by the temporary Nightingale hospitals during the pandemic, aimed to provide over 12,000 spaces for less risky offenders.
In response to the proposal, Lord Timpson emphasized the impracticality of building insecure prisons and highlighted the importance of security for staff and the surrounding community in housing dangerous individuals. Additionally, Mr. Farage proposed creating 10,000 additional prison spaces by sending serious offenders abroad, costing an estimated £1.25 billion.
Regarding the possibility of leasing jail cells in foreign countries, Lord Timpson referenced Labour’s justice system transformation and commitment to constructing 14,000 prison places as their primary focus. He emphasized the goal of establishing a sustainable justice system by increasing the prison population and probation services to serve victims effectively.
Recently, the Labour government introduced the Sentencing Bill to prevent future prison overcrowding, offering early release incentives for well-behaved inmates, inspired by the Texas justice model. The legislation also includes measures to enhance community punishments, such as imposing travel, driving, and football bans. However, Labour’s position in the polls lags behind Reform UK, raising concerns about potential reversals if Mr. Farage assumes leadership.
Lord Timpson expressed confidence in evidence-based decision-making for effective policy implementation, emphasizing the importance of reducing reoffending, protecting the public, and supporting victims. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has committed to resolving the prisons overcrowding crisis within six months.
Reform UK has been approached for comments on their stance.