Sex offenders in the North West will be offered medication designed to reduce “problematic sexual arousal” under a government pilot aimed at cutting reoffending rates.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed the expansion of a chemical suppressant scheme already running in four prisons in the South West. The new phase will cover up to 20 prisons across the North West and North East, potentially reaching 6,400 offenders.
The medication works alongside psychological treatment and is part of the Sentencing Bill currently going through Parliament. Mr Lammy told MPs that while evidence of its effectiveness was “limited”, early results were promising enough to justify wider use.
“Evidence shows this medication helps suppress urges, which is why we’re expanding access to it,” he said. “This is part of our comprehensive approach to managing dangerous offenders and preventing reoffending.”
The Bill, which passed its second reading by 340 votes to 77, seeks to reform sentencing and reduce long-term pressure on prisons. It includes provisions inspired by the independent sentencing review led by former justice secretary David Gauke.
The review noted that the treatment would not apply to all offenders. For example, it would be less relevant in cases where rape or assault stemmed from power or control rather than sexual compulsion.
Although former justice secretary Shabana Mahmood previously suggested the treatment might one day be mandatory, the current rollout remains voluntary.
During the debate, some MPs expressed concern about the Bill’s broader implications. A Reform UK MP was accused of misrepresenting its detail, while a Conservative attempt to halt progress was rejected by 292 votes to 78.
The initiative comes amid heightened local concern around sexual offences. Just this year, Rochdale councillor Farooq Ahmed demanded an emergency meeting on historic child sexual exploitation in the borough, calling for independent inquiries and stronger safeguarding measures.
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