New prison to be built on Full Sutton site near York

A new prison is to be built at Full Sutton near York, the Justice Secretary has revealed.

The new establishment will be built next to the existing prison, which will remain open during the development. It's one of four new developments announced by Liz Truss as part of plans to reform the crisis-hit jail system.

The announcement is the latest step in a £1.3 billion revamp of the estate first launched under Ms Truss's predecessor, Michael Gove, amid concerns a number of facilities were overcrowded and run-down. It's part of a pledge to create up to 10,000 modern prison places by 2020.

The Ministry of Justice said final decisions on the new jails would be subject to planning approval, value for money and affordability.

As well as creating modern establishments, officials say the proposed programme will boost regional economies by creating up to 2,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing industries and new opportunities for local business.

Plans to close and sell Victorian prisons were first mooted in 2015 but so far only HMP Holloway in north London has shut.

Announcements on further jail closures are expected later in the year.<

Ms Truss said:

The announcement comes as ministers attempt to drive down re-offending rates and improve standards across the prison system in England and Wales following a hugely turbulent period.

Surging levels of violence and self-harm have sparked a slew of warnings about safety behind bars, while jails have been hit by a flurry of major disturbances.

A recruitment drive to add 2,500 frontline officers is among the measures introduced under the government's reform programme.

Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

Shadow justice secretary and Leeds MP Richard Burgon said: