Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Medomsley Detention Centre

12 November 2025 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Jake Richards Lab Rother Valley

Justice & CourtsSafeguarding & DBS

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Government formally apologises for the abuse suffered by young men at Medomsley Detention Centre.
  • A Youth Custody Safeguarding Panel is established to review and enhance safeguarding practices for children in custody.
  • Legislative changes are proposed to include new statutory duties, criminal offences, and a Child Protection Authority.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the systematic abuse of young men at Medomsley Detention Centre and the Government's formal apology for the events.

Action requested

The Government apologises for the abuse endured by victims and announces the creation of a Youth Custody Safeguarding Panel to review safeguarding practices. It also commits to legislative changes including new statutory duties, criminal offences, and a Child Protection Authority to protect children from harm and improve safeguarding.

Key facts

  • Medomsley Detention Centre operated in North-East England from the early 1960s until the late 1980s.
  • The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) published a report detailing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse at Medomsley.
  • A settlement scheme has paid out over £10m to over 2,700 individuals since 2019.
  • The Government will create a Youth Custody Safeguarding Panel led by the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families.
  • New statutory duties on reporting sexual abuse of children in England are being implemented.
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