Since the early 1990s, British Governments have issued contracts to private firms for both the construction and the day-to-day running of prisons. The privatization of some prison services was pursued to cope with the problems of overcrowding in the UK’s prisons and to spread the costs of interning offenders. There are currently 14 private prisons in the U.K. who house around 15% of the prison population. Opponents argue that the concept of prison care is antithetical to the notion of commercial business and that it is morally inappropriate to profit from the punishment of offenders. Proponents argue that private prisons are are incentivised to operate more efficiently and can bring benefits to U.K. taxpayer.
24% Yes |
76% No |
14% Yes |
68% No |
10% Yes, but they should be strictly regulated to prevent mismanagement and corruption |
8% No, private prisons will sacrifice quality of care and rehabilitation services for profit |
1% Yes, but eliminate contractual occupancy quotas |
See how support for each position on “Private Prisons” has changed over time for 242k UK voters.
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See how importance of “Private Prisons” has changed over time for 242k UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9Q3CF474wks4W
Yes if it's a non-profit social enterprise that focus on quality, care, rehabilitation, education, treatment and support. No if it's a purely profit-making business
@9P69QF21mo1MO
I would have said no in the past but private prisons in the UK are better run than govt ones and less violent
@9P5K4ZL1mo1MO
Increase wage and skills of those who run the prisons to offer better care in hope of more restored prisoners
@97YDR562yrs2Y
The Nordic Liberalism way of running prisons is good, aiming for rehabilitation.
@97K667M2yrs2Y
NO but use them and make them into nationalised workhouses where they will provide goods for exports.
@974V27W2yrs2Y
No, private prisons will be less tough on corruption
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