Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prison Safety

Tuesday 16 September 2025 · 3 questions

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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister is evaluating drone detection technology used in France for potential rollout in UK prisons.
  • Secretary agrees that assaults on prison staff are unacceptable and plans further announcements on the matter.
  • Lord Chancellor considers an amendment for legal protections similar to those of police officers for prison officers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Justice & Courts
Context

Thousands of drones are being used to smuggle contraband into prisons. Local stakeholders have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures.

Question

Thousands of drones are being used to smuggle weapons and drugs into prisons, such as locally reported by Preventive Concepts Security's technology in France. What specific steps is the Department taking to roll out drone detection capabilities across the prison estate? Is it currently engaging directly with private stakeholders like Preventive Concepts Security?

Answer from David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)

I am currently looking seriously at what the shadow Lord Chancellor proposed in France regarding drone detection technology. I intend to make announcements on this matter over the coming weeks, engaging with private stakeholders as part of our efforts.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

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Q2 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

The TUC has unanimously backed the “Safe Inside” campaign, highlighting intolerable levels of prison violence and exposure to psychoactive substances. The Prison Service is under pressure for accountability in ensuring staff safety.

Question

Last week, the TUC backed the 'Safe Inside' campaign against record-high levels of violence and substance exposure. Does the Secretary agree that conditions are unacceptable for prison staff? Should the Prison Service be held accountable for the health and safety of its workers?

Answer from David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)

I agree that assaults on our staff are entirely unacceptable. I am committing to further announcements in the coming days, which will address some of these issues, while also engaging with unions to discuss these matters.

Partly answered

How: Working Closely

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Q3 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Justice & Courts
Context

A prison officer, Lenny Scott, was murdered in the line of duty. The case highlights the need for legal protections similar to those provided to police officers.

Question

In tribute to the murdered prison officer Lenny Scott, who faced a mandatory whole-life sentence for his killer as with police officers, does the Lord Chancellor agree that prison officers deserve similar legal protections? The Opposition will table an amendment in the Sentencing Bill to ensure this.

Answer from David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)

I agree that the work of our prison officers is incredible and I will consider the proposed amendment regarding similar legal protections. The Law Commission is also reviewing related provisions.

Partly answered

How: Under Consideration

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