Prison Security 2025-12-16
2025-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Violence, illegal drug dealing, and escapes are increasing in prisons. There has been a shocking 12% increase in prison breakouts across England and Wales since 2024. Additionally, dangerous criminals have been released in error.
I thank the Minister for his helpful reply, but as he knows full well violence, illegal drug dealing and escapes are on the rise in prisons, with a shocking 12% increase in breakouts across England and Wales since 2024. That is risking the safety of all our communities. Dangerous criminals are also being released in error. When will the Justice Secretary take responsibility for this utter shambles, get a grip on the situation to ensure that dangerous criminals remain locked up behind bars and do the job he is supposed to be doing to keep the British people safe?
I am constantly aghast at the chutzpah of the Conservatives, who left the prison system in utter crisis after 14 years. Prison officer numbers reduced under them, and prison places hardly rose at all. We are stabilising the prison system and investing in security measures to ensure that we have a prison system that is fit for the future and safe for the public.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was when the Justice Secretary would take responsibility, but the response did not address this directly. Instead, it criticised previous government policies.
Criticising Previous Government
Response accuracy