The British government's decision to release and deport thousands of foreign prisoners has sparked anxiety in EU capitals. According to a report by the American magazine Politico, several European countries have expressed concerns about the lack of coordination with London. The UK plans to release over 2,500 prisoners by the end of this year and another 700 in October. From January 2027, the government will abolish the requirement for foreign prisoners to serve a minimum sentence before being deported.
The UK's Ministry of Justice reports that foreigners make up around 12% of the prison population, with Polish, Romanian, and Albanian nationals being the largest groups. The government's plan has been criticized by diplomats from several EU countries, who argue that they receive little or no notice before the prisoners are released and deported. One diplomat described the situation as a "ticking time bomb," warning that any crimes committed by deported prisoners could spark a diplomatic crisis.
The diplomats also expressed frustration with the bureaucratic process, saying that the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) refers them to the Home Office, which in turn refers them back to the FCDO. The Cabinet Office has reportedly distanced itself from the issue. In response to the criticism, a UK government spokesperson said that the most serious offenders are exempt from the early release program and that those who pose a risk of committing future crimes will remain in prison.
Mark Day, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust, provided context to the debate, noting that many of the prisoners in question would have been deported at the end of their sentences anyway. He argued that the government's plan is simply to bring forward the date of deportation, rather than changing the outcome. Day also noted that the decision to impose a sentence on deported prisoners is subject to the local laws of each country.
The controversy over the prisoner release and deportation plan comes at a sensitive time, as the UK and EU prepare for a summit aimed at improving trade, mobility, and climate cooperation. However, the talks are complicated by issues such as the UK's demand for an exemption from EU "made in Europe" rules and the EU's requirement that the UK reduce tuition fees for European students.
One diplomat warned that the prisoner issue goes to the heart of trust between the two sides, saying that it is difficult to understand why the UK is asking for trust and preferential treatment in EU contracts while not notifying the EU about the deportation of prisoners. The diplomat argued that this inconsistency cannot be ignored.
The UK's plan to release and deport foreign prisoners has raised concerns about public safety and the potential for diplomatic tensions with EU countries. The government has defended its decision, saying that it is necessary to reduce the prison population and that the most serious offenders will not be eligible for early release.
Key points
- The UK government's plan to release and deport thousands of foreign prisoners has sparked concerns among EU countries about public safety and the lack of coordination with London.
