Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress has been made on compulsory prisoner transfers to non-EU countries; and if he will make a statement.

The UK has concluded compulsory transfer agreements with Nigeria and with Albania. The first prisoners have been transferred under these arrangements and we expect to see a slow build up in the numbers transferred as the processes are embedded in both countries. Compulsory transfer processes are complex, involving the courts in both countries, and requiring the consent of the recipient country on a case-by-case basis. A MoU providing for compulsory transfer to Somaliland is also in place. We are currently negotiating a compulsory PTA with Ghana and exploring opportunities for compulsory PTAs with other countries where prison standards meet the minimum international requirements. Neither I nor the Secretary of State plan to make a statement on this matter.