UK to Implement Chemical Castration for Sex Offenders

The UK plans to introduce chemical castration to reduce the sex drive of convicted sex offenders. This move aims to cut reoffending rates and ease pressure on the prison system, which is nearing full capacity.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the medical treatment will be used in 20 prisons across two regions. The decision follows the release of an independent sentencing review led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke.

“And I am exploring whether mandating the approach is possible,” Mahmood said. “Of course, it is vital that this approach is taken alongside psychological interventions that target other causes of offending, like asserting power and control.”

Treatment shown to lower the risk of reoffending

Mahmood cited studies suggesting the medication could reduce reoffending by as much as 60 percent. However, the review acknowledged that the treatment may not be appropriate for all offenders, particularly those whose crimes are driven by power rather than sexual urges.

Pedophiles and rapists face castration plans in the UK

Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood is preparing a major reform aimed at easing prison overcrowding: offenders will be released early — but only after undergoing chemical castration.

The pilot project will initially cover 20… pic.twitter.com/PcRNwG0Tpp

— Politics World Wide Web (@PoliticsWWWeb) May 22, 2025

Similar voluntary programs already exist in Germany and Denmark. In Poland, the treatment is mandatory for some offenders.

Sentencing review recommends wider reforms

The recommendation is part of a broader package aimed at reducing reoffending and reforming a prison system struggling with overcrowding.

England and Wales now have nearly 90,000 inmates—almost double the number from 30 years ago—despite falling crime rates. Longer sentences and a tough-on-crime approach have contributed to the rising population.

One of Mahmood’s early actions after Labour returned to power last July was to approve an early-release program to create prison space. She said she hopes to avoid repeating that decision and instead pursue long-term reforms.

Report backs early release, fewer short sentences

The sentencing review proposed several changes, including allowing some prisoners to be released earlier than under the current rules. It also recommended that judges have more flexibility, such as using driving bans instead of jail time for certain offences.

UK CONSIDERS CHEMICAL CASTRATION FOR SEX OFFENDERS

The Justice Secretary wants to hit paedophiles and rapists where it really hurts — literally.

Shabana Mahmood is looking to roll out libido-killing drugs in 20 prisons, with plans to go nationwide.

She’s even exploring… pic.twitter.com/byK8Yq068M

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 22, 2025

Another major proposal is to eliminate prison terms of less than 12 months, except in cases involving domestic abuse. The review also called for the immediate deportation of foreign nationals sentenced to three years or less.

Probation services to receive major funding boost

The report urged increased funding for probation services and additional resources for electronic monitoring to support offenders in the community. Mahmood responded by pledging £700 million ($930 million) annually for probation over the next few years.

Gauke warned that the success of these reforms depends heavily on investment. “If the government doesn’t put the resources into probation that is necessary, then the risk here is that we won’t make progress on rehabilitation that we need, and there will be a public backlash against it,” he said.

Opposition voices concern over sentencing changes

Not everyone supports the changes. Conservative justice spokesman Robert Jenrick criticized the plan to scrap short sentences, calling it a step toward “decriminalizing” offenses like burglary and assault.

He also dismissed the effectiveness of electronic tags, comparing them to smoke alarms putting out bonfires.

As part of its wider strategy, the government also announced a large-scale prison construction program to expand capacity and replace outdated facilities, some dating back to the 19th century.