Despite being a modern and developed country, the United Kingdom continues to face criticism for certain outdated practices within its prison system. One of the most controversial of these practices is slopping out, which refers to the manual emptying of human waste from chamber pots or buckets due to the lack of in-cell sanitation. This issue has long been a subject of public concern and legal scrutiny. Although the UK government has taken steps to phase out this practice, it still persists in some prisons today. The discussion around slopping out is deeply tied to prisoners’ rights, prison reform, and broader questions of human dignity and justice within correctional facilities.
Understanding Slopping Out
What is Slopping Out?
Slopping out is the process where inmates without access to in-cell toilets are required to defecate or urinate in a bucket, pot, or other container, which they must then empty into a communal toilet at designated times. The process often takes place early in the morning and can involve long waits for access to shared facilities. In many cases, prisoners are forced to store waste overnight in their cells, creating unsanitary and degrading living conditions.
Historical Context
This practice was common in British prisons throughout much of the 20th century. At one time, many UK prisons were built without considering the need for individual sanitation, and infrastructure upgrades were slow to follow. Despite increasing awareness of human rights and hygiene standards, slopping out remained widespread well into the late 20th century. The 1990s saw a strong push toward modernizing prison facilities, but the effort has been incomplete.
Prisons Where Slopping Out Still Occurs
While the UK has made considerable progress in eliminating this practice, some older prisons, particularly in Northern Ireland and Scotland, still house inmates under conditions that require slopping out. For example, Scotland’s Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow has been frequently mentioned in media reports for failing to provide all inmates with in-cell toilets. Funding limitations, bureaucratic challenges, and resistance to closure or renovation of outdated facilities have contributed to the persistence of this issue.
Legal and Human Rights Implications
Violation of Human Dignity
Many human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Howard League for Penal Reform, have condemned slopping out as a violation of basic human dignity. The European Convention on Human Rights, specifically topic 3, prohibits inhuman and degrading treatment. Several court rulings in the UK have acknowledged that forcing inmates to slop out may breach this topic, especially when done over prolonged periods.
Compensation Claims
Inmates who have been subjected to slopping out have increasingly taken legal action against the government. In many cases, courts have awarded damages for the psychological harm and humiliation caused by these living conditions. Scottish courts, in particular, have seen a significant number of claims, resulting in millions of pounds in compensation payouts to affected prisoners.
Efforts Toward Modernization
Government Initiatives
The UK government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at eliminating slopping out. Modern prison designs now include in-cell sanitation as a standard feature. Additionally, some funding has been allocated for the renovation of older prisons. However, the progress has been slower than anticipated due to budget constraints and political disagreements over prison reform priorities.
Public Pressure and Media Exposure
Investigative journalism and public advocacy have played key roles in raising awareness about slopping out. Reports from watchdog organizations and media outlets have put pressure on authorities to prioritize prisoner welfare. As a result, several parliamentary debates have focused on the urgent need to eradicate this practice from the prison system entirely.
Health and Psychological Impact
Health Risks
Living in close proximity to human waste poses serious health risks. The lack of proper sanitation can lead to the spread of infections and diseases such as hepatitis and gastrointestinal illnesses. Poor ventilation and inadequate cleaning protocols further exacerbate these risks.
Mental Health Effects
Being forced to slop out regularly can have profound psychological effects on inmates. Feelings of shame, degradation, and loss of autonomy contribute to increased levels of stress and anxiety. In extreme cases, the practice has been linked to the worsening of existing mental health conditions.
Voices from Inside
Prisoner Testimonials
Numerous inmates have spoken out about their experiences with slopping out. Many describe it as the most humiliating aspect of prison life. They talk about the smell, the discomfort, and the indignity of having to relieve themselves in front of cellmates or being unable to do so in private.
Staff Perspectives
Even prison officers have acknowledged the difficulties posed by the absence of in-cell toilets. Officers report that slopping out often leads to tensions among inmates and increases the burden on prison management, especially during early morning hours when large numbers of prisoners need to access limited facilities.
Comparative Practices in Other Countries
In many developed countries, in-cell sanitation is considered a basic requirement. Nations such as Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands have long eliminated slopping out. Their prison systems focus more on rehabilitation and humane treatment, including well-maintained hygiene standards. The persistence of slopping out in parts of the UK places it out of step with these international norms and raises questions about the UK’s commitment to penal reform.
The Path Forward
Recommendations
- Increase investment in modernizing outdated prison infrastructure.
- Accelerate the timeline for phasing out slopping out across all UK prisons.
- Implement oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with human rights standards.
- Provide mental health support for inmates subjected to degrading conditions.
- Engage with civil society and prisoner advocacy groups to develop humane prison policies.
Slopping out in UK prisons remains a symbol of systemic neglect and an outdated approach to incarceration. Despite progress over the years, the practice still affects hundreds of prisoners and continues to raise serious legal, ethical, and public health concerns. A society that values human dignity and justice must confront these issues head-on and commit to meaningful prison reform. Eliminating slopping out is not only a matter of infrastructure it is a matter of human rights and moral responsibility.