A new prison that can hold around 1,500 prisoners has officially opened near York, marking a significant step in the UK government's efforts to address overcrowding in the penal system. HMP Millsike, a Category C facility the size of 39 football pitches, is designed not just to house inmates but also to rehabilitate them, featuring 24 workshops and training facilities aimed at helping offenders reintegrate into society upon their release.
The opening of HMP Millsike on March 28, 2025, comes at a time when the UK prison system is under severe strain, with occupancy rates exceeding 99%. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood re-enacted the use of police cells to hold prisoners as the system reached a six-month high in occupancy. "This Government is fixing the broken prison system we inherited, delivering the cells needed to take the most dangerous criminals off our streets," Mahmood stated. "HMP Millsike sets the standard for the jails of the future, with cutting crime built into its very fabric."
Despite the construction of new facilities like Millsike, which is part of a broader initiative aiming to create 14,000 additional prison places by 2031, the Justice Secretary acknowledged that building alone will not solve the crisis. "But building jails only takes us so far in ending this crisis, which is why we're also reviewing sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous offenders and make our streets safer," she added.
HMP Millsike has been equipped with advanced security technology to combat issues such as drug smuggling via drones. This includes barless windows, hundreds of CCTV cameras, and X-ray body scanners designed to prevent contraband from entering the facility. The prison will be operated by Mitie Care and Custody, while education and training programs will be managed by PeoplePlus, aiming to reduce reoffending rates.
The construction of the prison created approximately 800 jobs, with an additional 600 expected once it becomes fully operational. This is part of a £2.3 billion investment strategy that also includes expansions at existing facilities, such as the recent addition of 700 places at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk and a new 460-space houseblock at HMP Rye Hill in Northamptonshire.
However, concerns about the prison system's capacity remain. MPs from the Public Accounts Committee have warned that plans to deliver the remaining 14,000 places by 2031 are fraught with risk and uncertainty. They have also highlighted that the current maintenance funding is only a small fraction of the £2.8 billion estimated necessary to bring the prison estate into acceptable condition.
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the prison population crisis, which has seen some inmates released early, with reports indicating that over 2,000 prisoners were let go last year as part of an emergency plan to alleviate overcrowding. Critics have pointed out that this approach may undermine public safety.
In a bid to create a more rehabilitative environment, HMP Millsike's design includes features meant to foster a calm atmosphere. The prison's workshops will allow up to 500 offenders at any time to train in various skills, such as cleaning, bricklaying, barbering, and carpentry, which are crucial for their reintegration into society.
Justice Secretary Mahmood emphasized the importance of these training programs, stating that "we must be honest about the challenges we face." She reiterated that while new prisons are essential, they must be complemented by reforms in sentencing and rehabilitation strategies to effectively tackle the issues at hand.
As HMP Millsike prepares to welcome its first group of offenders at the end of April 2025, the government hopes that this facility will not only help alleviate overcrowding but also serve as a model for future prisons. The facility's emphasis on rehabilitation and crime reduction reflects a shift in approach, aiming to create better citizens rather than simply housing criminals.
In conclusion, HMP Millsike represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s prison reform efforts, combining the need for additional capacity with a commitment to reducing reoffending through rehabilitation. As the government navigates the complexities of the penal system, the success of this new facility will be closely monitored.
