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HM Prison Bedford
30 November 2023
Lead MP
Mohammad Yasin
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Justice & CourtsNHSEmploymentMental Health
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Mohammad Yasin raised concerns about hm prison bedford in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
Edward Argar
Con
Nottingham North
Paid tribute to Alistair Darling and acknowledged the issues at HMP Bedford.
Government Response
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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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.