Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly set to introduce sweeping new reforms that would see convicted paedophiles and rapists subjected to chemical castration — even if they are not jailed.
The proposed policy aims to curb reoffending by using hormone-based treatments that suppress sexual urges.
Evidence from international studies, including those conducted in the United States, suggests that such treatment can reduce reoffending rates by up to 60%.
A government insider revealed that Mahmood is determined to take decisive action, stating: “There’s been too much hesitation around confronting the dangers posed by sex offenders.
Shabana is prepared to take bold steps to safeguard the public.”
While an earlier suggestion from the Independent Sentencing Review recommended a small, voluntary pilot program in the South West, ministers are now pushing for a far more extensive rollout.
Plans are reportedly underway to launch the programme across 20 prisons in England and Wales, with the possibility of expanding it nationwide.
Although many European countries — including Germany, France, and Sweden — currently offer chemical castration on a voluntary basis, the UK could become one of the first to make it mandatory for certain high-risk offenders.
Chemical castration involves a combination of medications: SSRIs, which reduce compulsive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens, which lower testosterone levels and suppress libido.
Offenders undergoing treatment may also receive psychological therapy as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Mahmood, who has served as Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010 and became Justice Secretary after Labour’s landslide election win last year, has prioritized efforts to reduce reoffending and address chronic prison overcrowding.
With UK prisons nearing capacity, thousands of inmates have already been released early under emergency measures. However, Mahmood has acknowledged these temporary fixes aren’t enough.
A broader strategy — which includes tougher community sentences, increased deportation of foreign offenders, and reduced reliance on short custodial terms — is expected to be outlined in the upcoming Sentencing Review led by David Gauke.
If approved, the chemical castration initiative could mark one of the most controversial and significant sentencing reforms in recent UK legal history.
