Chemical suppressors will be tested by sexual criminals in the northwest and the northeast of England as part of the efforts to reduce recidivism, said the Secretary of Justice.
The government had promised to expand an existing pilot in four prisons in the southwest to 20 prisons after the recommendations of an independent sentence review in May.
David Lammy said the medicine limits “problematic sexual excitement” and restricts criminals who can represent a risk to the public.
According to the BBC, the expansion will allow some 6,400 sexual criminals to access treatment together with psychological support aimed at changing behavior and addressing crimes such as violation, preparation and assault.
Speaking at the beginning of a debate about the bill of sentence, Lord Chancellor told parliamentarians that the southwest trial had been “positive.”
Mr. Lammy added: “While the evidence base is limited, it is positive and, therefore, we will launch the focus throughout the country, starting with two new regions, the northwest and the northeast, covering up to 20 prisons.”
The measure is part of the sentence bill, which is based on proposals for a review led by former Secretary of Justice David Gauke. The review also examined the ways to reduce recidivism and considered the broader use of chemical suppressants.
He pointed out that while medicines can reduce sexual excitement, treatment would not apply to criminals motivated by power and control instead of sexual concern.
In a statement, Lammy added: “The evidence shows that this medicine helps to suppress the impulses, so we are expanding access to it.
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“This is part of our integral approach to administer dangerous criminals and avoid recidivism.
“Do not be mistaken: those who commit serious crimes will face all the force of the law. But together with the prison, we have the duty to use all the methods available to rehabilitate criminals and protect the public, as part of our change plan.”
The parliamentarians voted from 340 to 77, a majority of 263, to approve the bill in the second reading.
When the plan was announced for the first time, former Secretary of Justice Shabana Mahmood said she was exploring whether the treatment could be mandatory. But the current expansion will remain voluntary.
A conservative amendment to block the bill, warning “will lead to an increase in dangerous criminals in our streets,” was rejected by 292 votes to 78, a majority of 214.
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