The cost of justice in the UK has become an overwhelming financial burden on taxpayers. As of 2023/24, the average annual cost of keeping a prisoner in the UK is approximately £44,640 per inmate, a figure that exceeds the national average salary. This system is unsustainable, especially when it comes to high-risk criminals, including serial killers, murderers, rapists, and terrorism offenders. These individuals not only pose a threat to society but also drain crucial public funds that could be better allocated to education, healthcare, and policing.

We propose a cost-effective alternative: deporting high-risk foreign criminals to serve their sentences in their own country or countries that may be open to an agreement such as Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Turkey and Rwanda, where the cost of incarceration is significantly lower. This would alleviate pressure on the UK prison system, reduce costs, and serve as a stronger deterrent for serious crimes.

Why This Solution Works

1. Massive Cost Reduction

The UK government could enter agreements with countries willing to house these offenders at a fraction of the cost. For example, in many developing nations, the cost of imprisonment is estimated to be between £2,000 and £10,000 per inmate per year, a potential saving of over £30,000 per prisoner annually.

2. Freeing Up UK Prisons

The UK prison system is overcrowded, leading to early releases of dangerous criminals due to lack of space. By transferring high-risk offenders abroad, we can prioritise UK prison space for those who may benefit from rehabilitation.

3. Stronger Crime Deterrence

Knowing that committing serious crimes could result in deportation to serve time in a foreign prison with harsher conditions could discourage criminal behaviour and lead to a decrease in violent crime rates.

4. Better Allocation of Resources

Instead of spending billions on housing the UK’s most dangerous offenders, funds could be redirected to police forces, victim support services, and crime prevention programmes that benefit law-abiding citizens.

Is This Feasible?

Yes, but laws will need to be changed. Many countries already have agreements to outsource imprisonment of foreign criminals, and the UK has previously explored similar concepts with Rwanda for asylum seekers. A negotiated deal could see the UK pay a lower fee per prisoner while ensuring that their human rights are respected. Countries benefiting from such agreements would receive economic incentives, job creation, and investment in their prison infrastructure. However, it would require significant change to make this happen:

1. New laws overriding human rights objections (which could face resistance in courts and Parliament).

2. Strict agreements with host countries to ensure fair but cost-effective imprisonment.

3. Public and political backing strong enough to withstand legal challenges.

While challenging, if crime rates and prison costs continue to rise, the UK will be forced to eventually push for a version of this policy, especially for foreign criminals or high-risk offenders who pose a long-term financial burden.

This policy is not about avoiding justice but ensuring justice is delivered in the most economically responsible and effective way. The UK cannot continue to bear the financial burden of criminals who have committed heinous crimes.

Sign the Petition & Make Our Justice System Fairer and More Sustainable

We need your support to push the UK government to consider this practical and cost-saving alternative. A formal agreement with these countries could allow the UK to save billions while ensuring dangerous criminals serve their full sentences without burdening UK taxpayers. Sign the petition to demand a review of UK sentencing policies and the introduction of overseas imprisonment agreements for high-risk criminals.

Together, we can build a safer, more secure, and economically sustainable UK.