UK could rent space in foreign jails to ease shortage of cells

Half-baked' plan unveiled at Tory conference is a sign of failure to tackle problem of overcrowding, say Labour and reformers

The UK will seek to rent prison space from foreign countries to combat the shortage of domestic jail places, under plans announced at the Conservative party conference.

The Tories said that they have already begun exploratory discussions with possible partners in Europe, with plans that would be introduced when parliamentary time permits.