Public Health England urged the Government in April 2020 to reduce it by 15,000 prisoners. Healthcare officials advised that an end to sharing cells was the most effective protection against the virus. Within six months of the warning, however, there were only 4,005 fewer people in prison, falling more than 10,000 short of the recommended reduction. Experts have expressed concerns about the future of prisons in England and Wales. Overcrowding in cells has been linked to an increase in poor mental health as thousands of prisoners must eat, sleep and use the toilet in one shared space. Overcrowding has also been linked to increased rates of violence, suicide and self-harm.
48% Yes |
52% No |
17% Yes |
43% No |
22% Yes, but they must perform community service on a daily basis |
5% No, but we should increase funding to offer education and skill building services for prisoners |
9% Yes, but place them under house arrest using an electronic bracelet |
4% No, we should build more prisons |
See how support for each position on “Prison Overcrowding” has changed over time for 1.7m UK voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
See how importance of “Prison Overcrowding” has changed over time for 1.7m UK voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9HXWLPH5mos5MO
Replace short sentences with community service and rehabilitation and put a greater focus on education and skill development in prisons
@98G56SL1yr1Y
Yes, and reform the prison industrial complex entirely so that non violent offenders are not denied their liberty
@98DKGYY1yr1Y
Yes, to some extent. Should be case by case
@97XCYR72yrs2Y
The system in general should be reformed from a punitive system to a more rehabilitative system
@99BNZ741yr1Y
I think more should be done to help people that have committed crimes to rehabilitate before prison time is issued.
@9NGWVBW2 days2D
The issues start before prison- invest in social care, mental health and education . Yes add in extra education, drug/alcohol classes, mental health sessions, art Therepy, gardening skills building , anger management, domestic abuse classes for perps to understand why they act and react how they do and psychologists to screen cluster B personalities over time watching patterns and behaviours as these are highest risk of reoffending
Explore other topics that are important to UK voters.