Estonia rejects proposals to take prisoners from UK jails
Summary
The Estonian government has refused to rent prison cells to the UK to help with overcrowded jails. UK politicians and parties have suggested sending some prisoners abroad, but Estonia, currently housing Swedish prisoners, rejects this idea.Key Facts
- Estonia's Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta said the country will not rent jail cells to other countries.
- Estonia is currently holding Swedish prisoners in its less crowded Tartu prison.
- UK political parties like the Conservatives and Reform UK have proposed renting foreign prison space to relieve overcrowding.
- The Labour government also considered the idea in early 2024 but did not reach an agreement with Estonia.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to release thousands of prisoners early to free up space.
- Downing Street says renting foreign prison space would take many years and complicated agreements.
- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage mentioned possible prison transfers to countries like El Salvador, Kosovo, Lithuania, and Estonia.
- Conservative proposals to rent overseas prison spaces were introduced before but not pursued by the current Labour government.
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