New data from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reveals a troubling situation in Britain’s prisons, with violence and self-harm incidents reaching record levels. Over the past year, there have been 73,804 incidents of self-harm, translating to one prisoner injuring themselves every seven minutes. Additionally, assaults have surged to a post-pandemic high with 28,292 violent assaults recorded across the prison estate.

The crisis is further compounded by severe overcrowding, with nearly a quarter of jails operating beyond capacity. These conditions have prompted the justice secretary to announce emergency measures aimed at alleviating the pressure on the prison system. However, the availability of drugs within the facilities remains a significant issue, further exacerbating the chaotic environment.

Source: The Independent