Paedophiles and rapists could face mandatory chemical castration under new government plans aimed at reducing reoffending rates.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is exploring proposals to make the treatment compulsory for sex offenders.

Studies have shown that using drugs to suppress sexual urges can reduce offending by up to 60 per cent.

The plans would initially target jailed offenders but could potentially be extended to those given suspended sentences, according to reports published today.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is looking into the plans

The government has rejected recommendations for a small voluntary pilot scheme in the South West as being "too soft".

Instead, the programme will be expanded to 20 prisons in England and Wales ahead of a planned nationwide roll-out.

"For too long, we have turned a blind eye to the threat sex offenders pose, considering the solutions too difficult or unpalatable," a Government source told The Sun.

"Shabana isn't squeamish about doing what it takes to protect the public. As always, she will grab this problem by the proverbials."

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Gauke visited Texas in February to study the state's reformsPA

Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010, is reportedly looking at similar measures used in US states like California, where castration is a mandatory condition for jailed sex offenders freed on parole.

Chemical castration involves the use of two types of drugs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to limit invasive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens to reduce testosterone and limit libido.

The process does not involve surgical removal of genitals but uses medication to suppress sexual urges.

Offenders undergoing the treatment are often also given psychiatric sessions to reduce other impulses.

In countries like Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark, chemical castration is voluntary, with some sex offenders actively seeking the treatment.

The drug cyproterone acetate has been commonly used throughout Europe, which lowers testosterone to castration-like levels.

Research has shown significant effectiveness of chemical castration in reducing reoffending. One study tracked 10 offenders, none of whom reoffended after treatment.

Another study comparing treated and untreated sex offenders found reoffending rates were 60 per cent lower among those who had been chemically castrated.

Mahmood has reportedly been convinced by these findings as she seeks to tackle the threat posed by sex offenders.

A poll conducted in February found that more than two-thirds of voters under 30 believed sex offenders should be castrated, with just 24 per cent opposed.