A government scheme which chemically castrates sex offenders will soon be expanded to north-west and north-east England.
The Government announced it will widen the existing pilot in four prisons in the south-west to 20 more prisons.
The medication limits ‘problematic sexual arousal’ and restrains offenders who could be a risk to the public, David Lammy said.
Lammy told MPs a trial in south-west England had been ‘positive’ and will soon roll out the approach nationwide.
The expansion means around 6,400 sex offenders will be able to access medication alongside psychological treatment to help change their behaviour and crack down on crimes such as rape, grooming and assault.
It comes as part of the Sentencing Bill, which is seeking to introduce reforms proposed by the sentencing review led by former justice secretary David Gauke, to tackle jail overcrowding in the long term.
Problematic sexual arousal can be reduced by chemical suppressants and prescribed medication, but a review found the treatment would not be relevant for some sex offenders, such as rapists driven by power and control, rather than sexual preoccupation.
Lammy added: ‘Evidence shows this medication helps suppress urges, which is why we’re expanding access to it.
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‘This is part of our comprehensive approach to managing dangerous offenders and preventing reoffending.
What is chemical castration?
Chemical castration reduces libido and sexual activity through the use of anaphrodisiac drugs.
Castration involves taking two drugs, with one limiting sexual thoughts and the other reducing testosterone.
The drugs reduce sex drive and diminishes the person’s capacity for sexual arousal.
It is reversible once the person stops taking the drugs.
Side effects include depression, hot flashes, anemia, increase in body fat and higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
‘Make no mistake – those who commit serious crimes will face the full force of the law. But alongside prison, we have a duty to use every method available to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public, as part of our Plan for Change.’
Former justice secretary Shabana Mahmood previously said she was exploring whether the treatment could be made mandatory for sex offenders – but for now, it will remain voluntary.
Which countries chemically castrate sexual offenders?
Chemical castration is voluntary in some US states, Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark.
Cyprus has also proposed chemical castration as an alternative to serving life sentences.
Kazakhstan announced 11 paedophiles will be castrated by having their genitals completely removed.
In 2019, Ukraine passed a new set of laws to forcibly castrate paedophiles.
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