Overcrowding Concerns Grow as 175 Prisoners Are Moved

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that HMP Dartmoor, located in Devon, will temporarily close due to dangerous levels of radon gas found within the prison cells. Approximately 175 inmates will be relocated to other facilities over the next two weeks. This development comes at a time when the UK prison system is already under immense pressure from overcrowding.

This latest issue highlights the ongoing crisis within the prison estate. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson remarked that this situation underscores the need for urgent reforms to alleviate the strain on the system, including new prison construction plans aimed at accommodating the most dangerous offenders.

The closure of Dartmoor comes shortly after the government proposed new regulations to reduce the time prisoners serve before being released. These reforms are part of a wider effort to prevent the prison system from collapsing under the weight of its population.

HMP Dartmoor, which dates back to the early 19th century, had previously faced the prospect of closure in 2023, only for the plan to be reversed in 2019 due to rising prisoner numbers. This recent evacuation marks a troubling escalation in the conditions at Dartmoor, where high levels of radon have already caused the removal of hundreds of inmates. Despite the challenges, the Prison Officers’ Association supports the closure as a necessary action to protect staff and inmates alike, acknowledging that it adds further stress to an already stretched system.

Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association, commented on the situation, saying, “While we recognise this comes at a difficult time, this is the correct decision for the safety of all concerned.” However, with overcrowding already a major issue, this unexpected move raises concerns about the ability of the prison system to cope with the added burden.