News

Covid-19 and European prison population changes

Friday, 1 May 2020

How do European states compare with England and Wales? 

Our latest infographics illustrate prison population changes across Europe in response to Covid-19. 

England and wales are leagues behind other European states in reducing the prison population to manage Covid-19. The government is relying on temporary measures like makeshift single-occupancy cells, re-opening prisons and a drop in judicial activity to halt the spread of the virus. These are likely to cause other problems and also prevent the wiggle room needed to prevent future outbreaks.

We're grateful to the Lloyds Bank Foundation for their support for this work under their criminal justice programme.