House of Commons · Urgent Question
14 January 2025 · 20 other contributors
Opened by Robert Jenrick Con Newark
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Robert Jenrick raised concerns about drones high-security prisons 2025-01-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm if she will make a statement on the national security risk of drones being used to deliver weapons to high-security prisons, given that organised crime gangs can now deliver drugs and weapons directly into inmates' cells, thereby jeopardizing prison safety?
Question
The Lord Chancellor is absent despite the gravity of the situation, with Chief Inspector warnings about police and prison services ceding airspace to organised crime groups. What are the timeframes for fixing basic security measures, and when does she intend to visit HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin?
Minister reply
This Government inherited a deteriorating system but have taken action in six months. The Prisons Minister has visited Manchester regularly, addressing maintenance backlogs and updating on the situation.
Question
The Justice Committee is launching an inquiry into drugs in prisons with a focus on drone supply by organised crime gangs. With a £1.8 billion maintenance backlog, what are the timetables for repairing prison problems and tackling this issue?
Minister reply
The Chancellor announced a £500 million boost to the prison maintenance budget over the next couple of years to address these issues.
Question
What new approach will be taken to empower governors with investment and autonomy for prison maintenance, considering past failures in the justice system?
Minister reply
We are investing in programmes like Unlocked Graduates to train and develop new governors.
Question
What lessons can be learned from past failures to tackle drugs in prisons, which drive drone drops?
Minister reply
We need to work with prison governors and police forces to address the issue effectively.
Question
How will the Minister ensure additional funding for local police forces dealing with increased pressure from prison expansion?
Minister reply
Local police forces are working closely with HM Prison and Probation Service, and funding is being dealt with appropriately.
Question
Can the Minister confirm if an effective anti-drone system like that at HMP Guernsey will be implemented in all prisons in England and Wales?
Minister reply
Any technology that works will be built upon, as we need to stay ahead of the criminals.
Question
What measures can the Minister bring forward to support prison officers in tackling drug issues within prisons?
Minister reply
Eighty prisons now have incentivised substance-free living units providing a supportive environment for inmates who commit to living drug-free.
Question
Will the Minister ensure that issues at Wandsworth prison, including drone drops and lack of CCTV and netting, are addressed with a £100 million investment?
Minister reply
The investment will be used to address these issues comprehensively.
Question
LiveLink Aerospace in my constituency has developed technology that could be crucial for maintaining no-fly zones above prisons. Will the Minister explore this technology and visit LiveLink Aerospace to see it in action?
Minister reply
The minister welcomes the opportunity to explore the technology if the MP writes with details, expressing willingness to follow up appropriately.
Question
Does the Minister agree that previous Conservative governments left prisons in crisis with drug and drone use rampant? What steps are being taken now?
Minister reply
The minister confirms that the previous government's management of the prison estate was inadequate, leading to significant overcrowding. He emphasises his commitment to tackling these issues inherited from the Conservatives.
Question
Is the main issue with drones detection or impeding deliveries once detected?
Minister reply
Both detection and hindering drone deliveries are important challenges. The minister highlights ongoing efforts to address both aspects of the problem.
Question
What is the Minister doing to listen to prison officers about their daily problems with drones, and will he meet me further to discuss this?
Minister reply
The minister expresses willingness to meet the MP if requested and mentions regular meetings with the Prison Officers Association.
Question
What assurances can be given that those who fly drones near prisons will face legal consequences?
Minister reply
The minister assures that anyone found guilty of flying a detected drone within 400 metres of a prison will face appropriate prosecution.
Question
What measures are being taken to outlaw the use of drones in prisons, given recent observations at Parc Prison?
Minister reply
The minister emphasises security and safety concerns, noting ongoing work with prison authorities to address issues observed during visits.
Question
What specific actions have been taken since the previous discussion regarding HMP Garth's drone problems?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges ongoing work, including discussions with prison governors and officials to address security measures without public disclosure of tactics.
Question
What is the Government doing about the wider issue of drug supply both in and out of prisons?
Minister reply
The minister highlights efforts to tackle drug dependency, education, and employment within prisons to reduce reoffending.
Question
Given the government's rhetoric about combating criminal gangs smuggling migrants into the UK, how can residents trust them on prison contraband?
Minister reply
The minister points out that previous governments failed to address prison security issues for 14 years and emphasises his commitment to tackling these problems.
Question
Has the Ministry of Justice assessed the effectiveness of dog patrols around prisons to deter drones?
Minister reply
The minister humorously refers to that policy as 'barking'.
Question
How will additional funding be allocated and applied equally across the UK, including Northern Ireland, to address prison security issues?
Minister reply
The minister confirms lessons learned will be applied uniformly across the UK and emphasises collaboration with Five Eyes partners for effective measures.
Government Response
This is not a new issue. Effective prison security is fundamental to the rehabilitative nature of prisons and ensuring public confidence in the criminal justice system. The availability of illicit items, including drugs and mobile phones, undermines prison officers’ ability to do their jobs. Drone sightings around prisons are a matter of concern and pose a major threat to prison security. The Government has taken steps to address this issue by investing in countermeasures such as improvements to windows, netting and grilles to stop drones from delivering cargo like drugs and weapons. Restricted fly zones were introduced around all closed prisons and young offender institutions in January 2024 to support police and prison staff. We are tackling demand by focusing on drug treatment for inmates entering prisons and cracking down on the organised crime gangs responsible for illicit economies within prisons, investing in a dedicated serious and organised crime unit. We will continue to take a multifaceted approach to drones and their impact.