Fears of unrest as PM considers open prisons for more offenders
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Unions concerned about potential rise in violence, drug abuse and the threat of riots at low-security facilities in England and Wales. The government is considering relaxing the restrictions on inmates who can be sent to open prisons, despite warnings that the move could increase violence, drug abuse and the potential for riots.
![[David Gauke]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/51aaf1ad3a496be9315d2080c76e5ddb6266383a/0_6_4029_2418/master/4029.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Under an unannounced policy first introduced by the Conservatives and expanded by Labour, officials have already been accelerating moves from closed to open prisons in order to ease overcrowding. Figures obtained by the Observer show that more than 140 criminals absconded from the lowest-security jails in England and Wales in just over two years, and insiders say more walked out over the Christmas period.
Official guidance states that even if inmates tell prison officers they will abscond from the prison if transferred, the move cannot be stopped unless there is “evidence or reasonable grounds to conclude that claims they will abscond are not empty threats”.
The government is considering making the temporary policy, which began on a restricted basis in March 2023 and was expanded in November, permanent. It is also looking at separate rule changes that would allow inmates to be held in open conditions up to five years before their release, rather than the current three.
