Reform UK has called for foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the UK to be transferred abroad to serve their sentences, arguing the move would end automatic early releases and reduce pressure on domestic prisons. The proposal, announced by party leadership, aims to ensure that sentences are served in full without early discharge due to overcrowding.
The party cites Ministry of Justice data showing that nearly 10% of the UK prison population consists of foreign nationals, many of whom could be repatriated under existing international agreements. Reform UK says activating these transfer mechanisms would free up thousands of places immediately.
‘We cannot continue to release offenders early simply because we lack the space to hold them,’ said a Reform UK spokesperson. ‘Sending foreign prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries is a practical, legal, and just solution.’
The plan would rely on bilateral prisoner transfer agreements already in place with countries including Albania, Jamaica, and Poland. Reform UK argues that expanding use of these treaties aligns with international law and reduces costs to the UK taxpayer.
In addition to overseas transfers, Reform UK proposes building temporary ‘Nightingale’ prisons — modelled on the emergency NHS hospitals — to rapidly increase capacity. These modular facilities could be deployed within months to house short-term offenders and ease bottlenecks in the system.
The party estimates that combining overseas transfers with new Nightingale prisons could add up to 15,000 additional prison places within two years, significantly reducing the reliance on early release schemes.
Addressing Prison Overcrowding
Reform UK says the dual approach tackles both immediate symptoms and long-term structural failures in the prison estate. By removing eligible foreign nationals and adding temporary infrastructure, the government could end the practice of automatic early release after serving 40% of a sentence for many standard determinate terms.
Critics warn that logistical and human rights challenges may arise, particularly around consent and conditions in destination countries. Reform UK maintains that transfers would only proceed with legal safeguards and mutual agreement, citing successful precedents under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Key questions
- What is Reform UK's proposal regarding foreign prisoners?
- Reform UK proposes transferring foreign nationals convicted in the UK to serve their sentences in their home countries under existing international prisoner transfer agreements. The party argues this would end automatic early releases due to overcrowding and ensure sentences are served in full.
- What are 'Nightingale' prisons and how would they help?
- 'Nightingale' prisons are temporary, modular prison facilities inspired by the emergency NHS hospitals built during the pandemic. Reform UK says they could be rapidly deployed to increase prison capacity and reduce reliance on early release schemes.
