Prisons using shipping containers to house inmates to tackle overcrowding crisis
Jail chiefs are spending tens of millions of pounds on the units which will be converted to hold lags.
Advertisement
One prison — HMP Albany on the Isle of Wight where paedo Gary Glitter previously served time — will splash out £15million on the 'rapid deployment cells' to house more inmates.
They will come with built-in beds and tables.
It is part of efforts to increase capacity in prisons by 14,000.
Contract details seen by The Sun on Sunday show the units, referred to as 'containerised' jail cells, will only be used for 'risk-assessed prisoners'.
Advertisement
MORE ON PRISON OVERCROWDING
Paperwork says: 'The units are arranged into a double or single storey configuration and attached to separate sleeper units.'
But one source said: 'You have to wonder how safe and secure the containers will be.
'Prisoners will also no doubt lodge loads of complaints.'
Shipping containers were used as temporary cells during lockdowns to prevent the spread of Covid.
Advertisement
Most read in The Sun
Prison Service bosses confirmed that rapid deployment cells were part of expansion plans to help protect the public.
Officials said the department is investing up to £7billion and adding 14,000 places, as well as putting hundreds of millions of pounds towards improving jails.
'Scary' overcrowded jails blasted by prison officers and inmates as gang fights soar
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'To ensure we never run out of prison places again, we're installing rapid deployment cells across the prison estate.'
1
Prisons are using shipping containers to house inmates to tackle the overcrowding crisis
Advertisement
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
3 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Plane passengers tackle man who claimed to have bomb before emergency landing
EasyJet passengers pinned down a man as he shouted about having a bomb on the plane in mid-air. The moment was captured as the packed plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Glasgow Airport today. A witness claimed he woke up at about 8am to see the man exiting the toilets at the rear of the plane. The passenger, who did not want to be named, told The Sun: "He literally came out of the toilet shouting 'Allahu Akbar' with his hands above his head. Then he said 'I've got a bomb, I've got a bomb' - at this point people were confused. I thought he was joking, I mean it's a weird joke." He was also heard shouting "death to America" and "death to Trump". The 39-year-old witness, who was flying to Glasgow from Luton for his dad's birthday, added: "He pushed the airline staff and was being aggressive towards them. He was a big guy, about six foot and they were these petite women." The witness said three passengers pinned the man down. Footage also shows flight attendant clambering over the seats in their high heels as they went to check the man's bag. "The pilot announced he was making an emergency landing and took the plane down so quickly," the witness said. He claimed passengers believed they would have needed to land elsewhere but that they eventually came down at Glasgow airport. Police officers then came onboard the plane. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of a man causing a disturbance on a flight arriving in Glasgow around 8.20am on Sunday, 27 July, 2025. "A 41-year-old man was arrested in connection and further enquiries are ongoing." A spokesperson added: "At this time we believe the incident was contained and that nobody else was involved. We are aware of videos circulating online and these are being assessed by counter terrorism officers." "Flight EZY609 from Luton to Glasgow this morning was met by police on arrival in Glasgow, where they boarded the aircraft and removed a passenger due to their behaviour onboard," an EasyJet spokesperson told The Mirror. "EasyJet's crew are trained to assess all situations and act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other customers is not compromised at any time. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Wild moment easyJet passengers pin down man who yelled ‘I've got a bomb' on board UK flight as cops swarm plane
THIS is the moment brave passengers banded together to tackle a man shouting that he had a bomb during an easyJet flight - before claiming he wanted to "send a message" to Donald Trump. The dramatic incident on Sunday morning (July 27) - caught on film and sent to The Sun - saw the packed jet forced into an emergency landing at Glasgow Airport. Advertisement 8 The man was pinned down by other passengers Credit: Supplied 8 They held him on the ground during the emergency landing Credit: Supplied 8 He was hauled off the aircraft in handcuffs Credit: Supplied The offender was then cuffed and hauled off the aircraft by around half a dozen cops, with panicked passengers left in tears. In the video, he can be heard saying: "I wanted to send a message to Trump... he's in Scotland." The US president is currently on a visit to the country and has been spotted playing golf over the weekend. 'I've got a bomb' A witness said he woke up suddenly around 8am, under an hour after taking off from Luton, to the man coming out of the toilets at the back of the plane causing a commotion. Advertisement READ MORE NEWS The passenger - who did not wish to be named - told us: 'He literally came out of the toilet shouting 'Allahu Akbar' with his hands above his head. 'Then he said 'I've got a bomb, I've got a bomb' - at this point people were confused. 'I thought he was joking, I mean it's a weird joke.' The 39-year-old - who was flying into the Scottish city for his dad's birthday party - went on to say: 'He pushed the airline staff and was being aggressive towards them. He was a big guy, about six foot and they were these petite women. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Exclusive Breaking 'When he pushed them, that's when things changed. 'At that point one guy managed to grab him from behind and pull him down, then everyone jumped on top of him. Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport 'He was fighting a bit on the floor, but at this point he knew he'd f***** up.' He described how three passengers pinned the man down, adding: 'I was right there, there wasn't much for me to do, so I thought I'll film it.' Advertisement The footage includes the flight attendants clambering over the seats in their high heels, as they went to check the man's bag, and 'realised there wasn't a bomb', the witness said. 'The pilot announced he was making an emergency landing and took the plane down so quickly," he continued. 'Everyone who wasn't restraining him was told to sit down. The three guys pinning him down, they landed whilst pinning him down. It was incredible. "I've never seen that before. The airline staff, they were all girls, they were really shaken up by it, but they were super professional.' Advertisement He added: 'Some of the passengers were crying because they were shaken up. It was just a bit surreal.' He said they had managed to get the man's wallet out of his pocket and he appeared to be an Indian national, and he was told he was carrying a refugee status card. As the plane came into land, the witness said he held up one of the passengers sat on the 'bomber' to prevent him toppling over. He said passengers feared they'd have to land elsewhere but actually came down at Glasgow, the flight's original destination, and 'taxied really quickly and then slammed on the brakes at a remote part of the runway'. Advertisement 8 Flight attendants clambered over the seats in their high heels Credit: Supplied 8 The easyJet aircraft came into land at a remote part of Glasgow Airport Credit: Supplied 8 The plane was then surrounded by cops and fire crews Credit: Supplied Fire engines then swarmed the scene before six police officers came on board the plane from the back. Advertisement The witness explained: 'The main copper didn't f*** around, he said 'look, don't mess about or you'll go straight down'. By this point the guy had calmed down. He'd admitted he didn't have a bomb. He gave up. 'We waited there on the runway for about 10 minutes, the guys still pinning him, waiting for the police - it wasn't very long but it felt like ages.' The witness, from London, and others involved were asked to stay behind to give statements and hand over video, while the other passengers were taken off the plane. In one piece of footage, as the offender is led out of the plane in handcuffs, he turns back and asks "my phone and wallet?" and someone can be heard saying "f*** off" before several passengers laugh. Advertisement A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We received a report of a man causing a disturbance on a flight arriving in Glasgow around 8.20am on Sunday, 27 July, 2025. 'A 41-year-old man was arrested in connection and further enquiries are ongoing.' An easyJet spokesperson said: "Flight EZY609 from Luton to Glasgow this morning was met by police on arrival in Glasgow, where they boarded the aircraft and removed a passenger due to their behaviour onboard. "easyJet's crew are trained to assess all situations and act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other customers is not compromised at any time. Advertisement "The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority." Do you know more? Email 8 The man told passengers he wanted to 'send a message' to Donald Trump Credit: Supplied 8 He asked for his phone and wallet as he was led away Credit: Supplied Advertisement
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Dark underbelly of UK's new City of Culture plagued by soaring unemployment, ‘spiced-up' druggies & ‘roaming XL Bullies'
CLOSED shops litter the ailing high street and "spiced up" junkies stumble around like zombies or openly inject drugs in dingy doorways. Bradford - this year's UK City of Culture - has a dark underbelly of high unemployment, petty crime and illegal substance abuse. 19 A man slouches on a bench in Bradford city centre, apparently heavily intoxicated Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Two large Bully type dogs are walked across a road without leads Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago and hopes to find work there after she qualifies Credit: NB PRESS LTD It comes after The Sun laid bare the UK's unemployment capitals, with the Labour government telling thousands of Brits: those who can work should get a job. In May, the West Yorkshire city had 26,070 people claiming unemployment benefits, a rise on not only this time last year but also the previous month. Outside of London, it's only behind Birmingham (10.6%) and Luton (7.7%) for joblessness stats. Known as the "wool capital of the world" in its Victorian boom era, it's had a sad fall from grace. Locals complain that jobs are hard to find as high street stores, banks, and pubs close. JOB CENTRE Former ventilation fitter Timmy worked on the Broadway Shopping Mall opposite the Jobcentre before he was sent to prison and lost his livelihood. 'I've gone to the Jobcentre today because I've just got out of jail and want to get back to work,' he told The Sun. 'I'm normally self-employed, I'm a skilled air conditioning ventilation fitter, but it's looking to be pretty hard finding work in Bradford at the moment. Most read in The Sun The UK's top 10 unemployment hotspots This data, compiled by the ONS, shows the percentage of people in the Claimant Count for unitary and local authorities in the UK. The Claimant Count refers to the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, primarily Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit, who are required to seek work. Birmingham (10.6%) Newham (8.5%) Barking and Dagenham (8.5%) Haringey (8.2) Brent (8.2%) Enfield (7.8%) Luton (7.7%) Bradford (7.5%) Hackney (7.5%) Waltham Forest (7.4%) Lewisham (7.3%) Wolverhampton (7.3%) Ealing (7.2%) Sandwell (7.2%) Tower Hamlets (7.2%) Oldham 7.0 % Croydon (6.9%) Slough (6.6%) Redbridge (6.5%) Lambeth (6.5%) 'Most of my work would be away from the city anyway. I've got all my tickets, fork-lift licence, driving licence, wagon driving licence, etc. 'I'm obviously looking for work but it is not easy. 'Them lot in the Jobcentre are offering jobs on basic wages in factories and stuff, but I'm skilled and I have a trade.' More than 1 MILLION migrants are claiming Universal Credit in Britain – with majority unemployed Unemployment in Bradford represents a 7.5 per cent rate, according to the latest figures. That is an increase of 230 claimants compared to the previous month and 420 compared to May 2024. The UK unemployment rate for people aged 16+ was 4.7 per cent in March-May 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics. Darley Street Market A recent boon for Bradford is the state-of-the art Darley Street Market, which opened its doors last weekend. The new market was buzzing with vendors and customers alike during The Sun's visit, and it had a vibrant atmosphere. It also has provided work for many Bradfordians, including Demi-Leigh Turner, 24, who is delighted to be behind the counter at Jake's Bakehouse in the market having been unemployed prior to its opening. 'It's brilliant to be working there and we are really busy,' said Demi-Leigh. 'It has been hard work, there is a lot of footfall at the market, but I'm loving it. 19 The new Darley Street Market opened this month Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Demi Leigh Turner works at the market and praised the opportunities there Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 There a multiple vacant business premises in the city centre Credit: NB PRESS LTD 'This is a real success story for Bradford. Everybody in there is happy.' However, just outside the market on a street bench on Darley Street was a "spiced-up" man in a drugged-up stupor, making an upsetting and unnerving sight for shoppers and parents with young children. Up the road, towards the old Oastler Shopping Centre and Market, which is now shuttered up due to the new relocation, there are down-and-outs hanging around. Two scruffy and skeletal men were wandering the streets, roll-up in hand and accompanied by a pair of XL bully-type dogs, off their leash. Another seemingly homeless guy was trying to flog a TV to passers-by. Bradford as City of Culture 2025 Bradford was named the UK City of Culture for 2025 due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and innovative spirit. The designation was given by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It means the West Yorkshire city gains access to funding to improve its infrastructure and arts facilities, and will continue to host events until the end of the year. Bradford won their bid in May 2022, beating County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough. More than a million people have engaged with the city's Culture projects so far this year, according to organisers. Its outdoor opening ceremony featured a performance by magician Stephen Frayne. The UK City of Culture programme began in 2013. Approaching our reporter with the screen in his arms, he asked for £10 for the goods. Beggers linger at traffic lights on busy junctions intimidating waiting motorists into handing over cash. And junkies openly take drugs in dingy shop doorways and litter-strewn alleyways before crashing out on benches or seeking out another store to shoplift. On Kirkgate, a once bustling shopping street, numerous loafers were hanging about swigging booze from cans and shouting at each other. One man had emptied the industrial bin beside the British Heart Foundation charity store and was messily rummaging through its contents. 19 A group of people drink alcohol Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Locals say the alcohol and drug problem in the city centre is getting worse Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Locals say they can't find work with businesses closing down Credit: NB PRESS LTD A charity shop volunteer said:'He doesn't care if he is making a mess. He is often doing this to look for things to sell on to buy drugs. 'He is very aggressive on some days. 'As soon as we put the bins out he is at them. He's after the coat hangers, they might fetch him a few quid." There was a distinct absence of any police officers patrolling the city centre. Cops raid large cannabis farm in landmark building By Mark Lister POLICE found a large cannabis farm at a landmark Bradford city centre building over the weekend. West Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a burglary at Sunwin House on Sunday. On arrival, a large cannabis farm was found. A 36-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, remains in police custody. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene. Police attention has been focused on the side of the building, near Goit Side, with several force vehicles and an extensive cordon in place. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, he remains in police custody at this time. "Police were called to reports of a burglary on Sunbridge Road. "On arrival, officers located a large cannabis farm. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene." Sunwin House dates back to the 1930s, when it was constructed as a Co-operative emporium. More recently, it was used as a TJ Hughes department store and awarded a Grade II listing for its architectural significance. Since TJ Hughes shut its doors 15 years ago, the building has been mainly empty. But some locals still like the place. Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford and described living there as 'bloody brilliant'. 'I can't work at the moment though, due to my disability ,' he says brandishing his badly scarred left arm which he damaged in a car crash. 'Before the accident I was in the Army, Royal Artillery. I'm on the sick now though. 'I don't mind living in Bradford, it has its good and bad sides, like a lot of places. 19 The shutdown Wilko store is among the major franchises having left the city Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 A man searches through litter from a large industrial bin Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Many residents say the city is rundown and there are few jobs to be had Credit: NB PRESS LTD 'I love the place because of the people.' Student Madison Kirby, 16, said: "There are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down. 'There are too many people and not enough jobs in Bradford.' Another student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago. 'I hope to find work in Bradford when I have finished my studies,' she said. 'Coming from Turkey to Bradford was obviously a bit different, but I've got used to it now. Read more on the Irish Sun 'There are obviously some things that go on which are not nice and you do see some sights.' The Sun has approached 19 Bradford is this year's city of culture, meaning it has access to extra funding to improve infrastructure Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 A beggar approaches motorists at traffic lights Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Student Madison Kirby, 16, said there are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Parts of the city centre are very rundown Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford but is currently unable to work due to disability Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Former ventilation fitter Timmy Firth has just come out of prison and is looking for work Credit: NB PRESS LTD 19 Bradford won its bid to become this year's city of culture following a competitive bidding campaign in 2022 Credit: NB PRESS LTD
