Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

HM Prison Bedford

30 November 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mohammad Yasin raised concerns about hm prison bedford in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP for Bedford raised concerns about violence, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions at HMP Bedford.
  • Minister acknowledged serious issues and committed to publishing a detailed response by December 15th.
  • Ongoing efforts include increasing staffing numbers and improving cell cleaning and maintenance.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford

The MP for Bedford raised serious concerns about the conditions at HMP Bedford, citing inspections that found shocking levels of violence, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions. He highlighted issues such as inexperienced staff, extreme violence, drug use, self-harm, and poor living conditions, including rat infestations. The speech emphasised the impact on prison officers and residents living nearby. Yasin called for better rehabilitation practices, questioning whether the current system is delivering justice to victims or helping prisoners reform.

Other contributors (1)
  • Edward Argar Con Nottingham North

    Paid tribute to Alistair Darling and acknowledged the issues at HMP Bedford.

Government Response

Roger Gale

The Minister responded by acknowledging the serious concerns raised about HMP Bedford. He emphasised ongoing efforts to improve prison conditions, including increased staffing numbers and planned improvements in cell cleaning and maintenance. The Minister committed to publishing a detailed response by December 15th and announced immediate actions such as providing additional staff support, improving living conditions through refurbishments, and setting up working groups to address fairness issues. He also highlighted previous interventions aimed at violence reduction and improving prison culture, though acknowledged these had not resolved all underlying issues.

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