In an effort to modernize the Albanian prison system, the UK Government has allocated £1.5 million to provide Albania with 37 minibuses and electric vehicles. The move comes as part of a recent deal to repatriate 200 Albanian prisoners currently serving sentences in England and Wales.
The arrangement, announced in May, aims to streamline the process of returning Albanian nationals back to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentences. By doing so, the UK Government expects to save approximately £8 million over two years, in addition to the annual cost of £40,000 per prisoner to house them within the UK.
New details from Government contracts, recently made public, reveal that a portion of the multi-million pound deal will be invested in updating the Albanian prison service’s transportation capabilities. Of the allocated funds, £1 million has been earmarked for 22 new minibuses, while £500,000 will be used to procure 15 electric vehicles.
The decision to include electric vehicles in the allocation aligns with the UK Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions and reflects a larger focus on environmental sustainability. The move is part of a broader greening initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
Although specific details concerning the delivery timeline of the vehicles remain undisclosed, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk affirmed that the agreement will expedite the repatriation process for foreign criminals and provide victims with reassurance that serious offenders will continue to face justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What vehicles have been provided to Albania by the UK Government?
A: The UK Government has provided Albania with 37 minibuses and electric vehicles.
Q: How much did the vehicles cost?
A: The vehicles were provided at a cost of £1.5 million.
Q: What is the purpose of the deal between the UK and Albania?
A: The deal aims to repatriate 200 Albanian prisoners and assist in modernizing the Albanian prison system.
Q: Will more vehicles be sent to Albania in the future?
A: The Ministry of Justice has not disclosed whether additional vehicles will be sent in the future.