Context
Lowdham Grange prison, located in Michelle Welsh's constituency, has been experiencing severe safety issues including incidents of violence, drugs, self-harm, and bullying. Since the last inspection in 2023, ten prisoners have died, and there are serious concerns about access to healthcare professionals.
Question
Lowdham Grange prison in my constituency is a failing prison, and I have been inundated with correspondence from prisoners, families, and staff who regularly inform me about unsafe conditions and a toxic culture of bullying. Since the last inspection in 2023, ten prisoners have died. The prison has the worst possible rating for safety and has had 32 days of lockdown in the past two years. Does the Minister agree that it is time for the Government to make a direct intervention in this prison?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that important case, which is very much on the radar of the Ministry of Justice. I will raise the issue personally with the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending in the other place. I am personally committed to this issue, and I will visit Lowdham Grange in the new year, hopefully with my hon. Friend, to meet the governor and others to discuss those critical issues.
Not addressed: The Minister did not explicitly state that direct intervention would take place but committed to raising the issue and visiting the prison.
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