Story perspectives

Study Reveals Foreign Nationals Underrepresented in UK Prisons

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A government-data analysis finds foreign nationals underrepresented in prisons in England and Wales.
In 2021, non-citizens were 12.4% of prisoners; foreign-born 16.8%.
Foreign nationals are 15% of cautions/convictions for sexual offences; 10% in prison.
Protests at asylum-seeker accommodations revived debate; Migration Observatory notes age/sex data gaps; Susan Hall, former Conservative candidate, warned about young male migrants and sexual violence.

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Story summary

A government-data analysis finds foreign nationals underrepresented in prisons in England and Wales.
In 2021, non-citizens were 12.4% of prisoners; foreign-born 16.8%.
Foreign nationals are 15% of cautions/convictions for sexual offences; 10% in prison.
Protests at asylum-seeker accommodations revived debate; Migration Observatory notes age/sex data gaps; Susan Hall, former Conservative candidate, warned about young male migrants and sexual violence.