Paedophiles and other sex criminals will be castrated in brutal new crackdown

JUSTICE SECRETARY SHABANA MAHMOOD IS EXPLORING WHETHER CHEMICAL CASTRATION OF SEX OFFENDERS CAN BE MADE MANDATORY AS SHE TAKES STEPS TO ROLL OUT THE DRUG TREATMENT NATIONWIDE 00:34, 22 May

2025Updated 12:15, 22 May 2025 Paedophiles and rapists could face mandatory chemical castration under plans to curb sex offenders' vile urges. Jailed offenders could be forced to

undergo hormonal treatment to curb their sexual urges in a move to prevent reoffending. A voluntary scheme will see sex offenders chemically castrated in two regions in England, covering 20

prisons, as a first step to rolling out nationwide. But Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also exploring whether the approach could be made mandatory, rather than just voluntary. A major

review of sentencing, chaired by former Justice Secretary David Gauke and published today, called for more evidence to be gathered on chemical castration - a drug treatment that reduces

hormone levels to curb libido. It wants a small pilot, which involves a few dozen inmates in the South West of England, to be continued. READ MORE: Biggest reset of prisons in 30 years as

plans call for MAJOR jail time change In a statement to MPs, Ms Mahmood said: "The review has recommended we continue a pilot of so-called medication to manage problematic sexual

arousal. Article continues below "I will go further with a national rollout, beginning in two regions covering 20 prisons. And I am exploring whether mandating the approach is possible.

Of course, it is vital that this approach is taken alongside psychological interventions that target other causes of offending, like asserting power and control." A Government source

told The Mirror: “For too long, we have turned a blind eye to the threat sex offenders pose, considering the solutions too difficult or unpalatable. Shabana isn't squeamish about doing

what it takes to protect the public. As always, she will grab this problem by the proverbials.” Chemical castration uses two drugs — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to limit invasive

sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens to reduce testosterone and limit libido. Offenders are often given psychiatric sessions to reduce compulsive and invasive thoughts about sex. DO YOU

THINK SEX OFFENDERS SHOULD BE CASTRATED? Take our poll below. If you can't see it, CLICK HERE The approach is targeted at sexual offenders who have compulsive and invasive thoughts

about sex, and those with excessive sexual preoccupation. Research suggests it has a big impact on reducing reoffending among sexual predators. One study followed 10 offenders, none of whom

reoffended after treatment. Another study paired one group of sex offenders who had been chemically castrated, with another who had not. Reoffending rates were 60% lower among the group who

had been chemically castrated. Ms Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010, wants to follow countries around the world who are using castration to manage sex offenders. They

include Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark. In most countries, it is voluntary, though it is mandatory in a few countries and some US states. BE THE FIRST WITH NEWS FROM MIRROR POLITICS

BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke and Ashley

Cowburn. POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers,

promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. NEWSLETTER: Or

sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division

Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. In his more than 200-page sentencing review, Mr Gauke laid out the urgent need for change, not only to stop prisons reaching full

capacity again, but to reduce crime and the number of victims affected. His proposals - if accepted by ministers - would see the projected prison population for 2028 come down by 9,800

inmates. It currently stands at more than 88,000. Among the most significant recommendations, the review recommends letting out some offenders early for good behaviour and scrapping the use

of sentences under 12 months, bar exceptional cases such as when a domestic abuse victim needs protection. It also urges for greater use of technology, like electronic tagging, to monitor

offenders in the community and action to support criminals whose offending is driven by drugs, alcohol or mental illness. And judges should hand out more punishments outside of jail, it

said, such as football, travel or driving bans. Restrictions on an offenders’ access to social media should also be considered. Article continues belowREAD MORE: Join our Mirror politics

WhatsApp group to get the latest updates from Westminster