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JUSTICE SECRETARY SHABANA MAHMOOD IS EXPLORING WHETHER CHEMICAL CASTRATION OF SEX OFFENDERS CAN BE MADE MANDATORY AS SHE TAKES STEPS TO ROLL OUT THE DRUG TREATMENT NATIONWIDE 00:34, 22 May

2025Updated 12:15, 22 May 2025 Paedophiles and rapists could face mandatory chemical castration under plans to curb sex offenders' vile urges. Jailed offenders could be forced to

undergo hormonal treatment to curb their sexual urges in a move to prevent reoffending. A voluntary scheme will see sex offenders chemically castrated in two regions in England, covering 20

prisons, as a first step to rolling out nationwide. But Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also exploring whether the approach could be made mandatory, rather than just voluntary. A major

review of sentencing, chaired by former Justice Secretary David Gauke and published today, called for more evidence to be gathered on chemical castration - a drug treatment that reduces

hormone levels to curb libido. It wants a small pilot, which involves a few dozen inmates in the South West of England, to be continued. READ MORE: Biggest reset of prisons in 30 years as

plans call for MAJOR jail time change In a statement to MPs, Ms Mahmood said: "The review has recommended we continue a pilot of so-called medication to manage problematic sexual

arousal. "I will go further with a national rollout, beginning in two regions covering 20 prisons. And I am exploring whether mandating the approach is possible. Of course, it is vital

that this approach is taken alongside psychological interventions that target other causes of offending, like asserting power and control." A Government source told The Mirror: “For too

long, we have turned a blind eye to the threat sex offenders pose, considering the solutions too difficult or unpalatable. Shabana isn't squeamish about doing what it takes to protect

the public. As always, she will grab this problem by the proverbials.” Chemical castration uses two drugs — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to limit invasive sexual thoughts, and

anti-androgens to reduce testosterone and limit libido. Offenders are often given psychiatric sessions to reduce compulsive and invasive thoughts about sex. DO YOU THINK SEX OFFENDERS SHOULD

BE CASTRATED? Take our poll below. If you can't see it, CLICK HERE The approach is targeted at sexual offenders who have compulsive and invasive thoughts about sex, and those with

excessive sexual preoccupation. Research suggests it has a big impact on reducing reoffending among sexual predators. One study followed 10 offenders, none of whom reoffended after

treatment. Another study paired one group of sex offenders who had been chemically castrated, with another who had not. Reoffending rates were 60% lower among the group who had been

chemically castrated. Ms Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010, wants to follow countries around the world who are using castration to manage sex offenders. They include

Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark. In most countries, it is voluntary, though it is mandatory in a few countries and some US states. BE THE FIRST WITH NEWS FROM MIRROR POLITICS BLUESKY:

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by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. In his more than 200-page sentencing review, Mr Gauke laid out the urgent need for change, not only to stop prisons reaching full capacity

again, but to reduce crime and the number of victims affected. His proposals - if accepted by ministers - would see the projected prison population for 2028 come down by 9,800 inmates. It

currently stands at more than 88,000. Among the most significant recommendations, the review recommends letting out some offenders early for good behaviour and scrapping the use of sentences

under 12 months, bar exceptional cases such as when a domestic abuse victim needs protection. It also urges for greater use of technology, like electronic tagging, to monitor offenders in

the community and action to support criminals whose offending is driven by drugs, alcohol or mental illness. And judges should hand out more punishments outside of jail, it said, such as

football, travel or driving bans. Restrictions on an offenders’ access to social media should also be considered. Article continues belowREAD MORE: Join our Mirror politics WhatsApp group to

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