Foreign Nationals in UK Prisons

Foreign Nationals make up 11% of a total prison population in the UK. HMP Wandsworth has a significant Foreign National population, so much so that in 2021 they mobilised a Foreign National Service, now delivered by Catch22. In most prisons there is no specific support for these individuals, despite their needs being complex and the need for specialist knowledge and support – from language barriers to understanding their rights, support for this cohort is particularly urgent when could face deportation, after spending much of their lives in the UK. To discuss the challenges UK prisons face with Foreign National offenders, the impact these challenges have on individuals themselves, and how the justice system can address both, we are joined by Geoff Smith, Director at BEST – the Befriending and Support Team for Foreign Nationals, and Naomi McGrath, Senior Operations Manager in Catch22’s Justice Hub. The episode is hosted by Catch22’s Josie Cochrane. Catch-22.org.uk #Catch22Minutes