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No decision on doubling prisoners in rapid deployment cells

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 4:35 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Ministry of Justice says no decision has been made on doubling up prisoners in rapid deployment cells.
Plans to add second beds could create 476 extra spaces across ten Category C prisons in England and Wales.
The prison population stands at 87,111, exceeding the government’s safe capacity of 81,616.
Prison Governors Association president Tom Wheatley warned assessments and staff are needed before doubling up inmates in rapid deployment cells.

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Story summary

The Ministry of Justice says no decision has been made on doubling up prisoners in rapid deployment cells.
Plans to add second beds could create 476 extra spaces across ten Category C prisons in England and Wales.
The prison population stands at 87,111, exceeding the government’s safe capacity of 81,616.
Prison Governors Association president Tom Wheatley warned assessments and staff are needed before doubling up inmates in rapid deployment cells.