Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prisons: Urgent Notifications

Tuesday 11 March 2025 · 1 question

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rebecca Paul asked about support provided to prisons receiving urgent notifications since July 2024.
  • The Minister acknowledged the concerning rise in assaults on staff at Downview Prison, noting a more than doubling between 2023 and 2024.
  • The Minister expressed gratitude towards prison officers and commitment to addressing staff safety issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Justice & Courts
Context

The number of assaults on staff at Downview Prison in Banstead more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, raising concerns about the safety of prison officers.

Question

What support has the Minister provided to prisons that have received an urgent notification since July 2024? The number of assaults on staff at Downview Prison in Banstead more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, making it extremely concerning. What steps is he taking to ensure that officers are protected in their day-to-day jobs?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)

I thank the hon. Member for that answer. Prison officers do an important job, and I thank every officer at Downview Prison in Banstead. It is extremely concerning that the number of assaults on staff at Downview more than doubled between 2023 and 2024. The work of the Prison Service is to make sure they are properly supported and protected in their role.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged concerns but did not provide specific steps or actions being taken to protect prison officers from assaults.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email