- More than 300 cells remain empty at HMP Millsike in Yorkshire over a year after its opening, as the category C facility operates at a reduced capacity of 1,158 cells against its maximum planned capacity of 1,468.
- The delay in bringing the prison to full capacity comes as Justice Secretary Alex Norris scrambles to secure prison space after Prime Minister Andy Burnham partially reversed plans for early prisoner releases.
- Independent inspectors and prison sources revealed that the facility is severely struggling with staff recruitment and retention, leading to safety concerns and some inmates being locked in their cells for up to 23 hours a day.
- Private operator Mitie and the Ministry of Justice defended the reduced numbers, explaining that a phased population build-up is necessary to allow inexperienced staff to safely adapt and establish proper prison routines.
- The Ministry of Justice stated it is taking urgent action to resolve the wider prison capacity crisis, including building 14,000 new places, expediting the deportation of foreign criminals, and reviewing unjust IPP sentences.
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