Ministers are exploring the possibility of converting parts of the female prison system to accommodate male prisoners in an effort to ease the strain on the overall prison system. The goal is to reduce the number of women in prison, which currently represents less than 5% of the total prison population in Britain. The prisons minister, Catherine McKinnell, is expected to assess the practicalities of such conversions in the coming months, following concerns from prison governors and experts about the complexities involved. This move comes amid pressure to free up space in the prison system without compromising safety or the needs of the community. The government has previously expressed interest in reducing the number of women in prison to create capacity and avoid the early release of more dangerous male prisoners. However, recent plans focus more on deporting foreign offenders and reducing the number of prisoners serving controversial "imprisonment for public protection" sentences, which keep individuals in prison indefinitely. These plans were adjusted after backlash from victims and families, leading to the decision to prevent the early release of those convicted of manslaughter, rape, child sexual abuse, and grooming. Around 4,500 prisoners are set to be released early in 10 separate groups starting in October, which is 1,500 fewer than initially planned. Experts, including former justice secretary David Gauke, have raised concerns that running prisons so close to capacity poses significant risks. Officials have warned that reducing the number of female prisoners will require long-term planning and investment. Andrea Coomber, chief executive of the Howard League, emphasized that while reducing the number of women in prison is a positive step, it should not come at the expense of women’s needs. She cautioned that without proper investment in women’s centers and community-based alternatives, women could be unfairly prioritized to make space for men. She stressed the need for a balanced approach that addresses the specific needs of women in the justice system. The government has indicated that women in mother and baby units, where they cannot be replaced by male prisoners, are more likely to be released. Alex Davies-Jones, the victims minister, acknowledged that many women in prison are mothers with young children and that many are victims of crime themselves. She argued that they can be effectively managed in the community through women’s centers. However, she also noted that converting all female prisons into male spaces is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and some women should remain in prison. Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said that reducing the number of women in prison could be a positive step if it is accompanied by increased community support. She called for the government to prioritize implementing recommendations from the Women’s Justice Board and building the necessary community infrastructure to reduce the number of women in custody in the first place.