<-- Back to proposed bills

Prisons safety update: wet-shave razors

21 May 2024

Proposing MP
Melton and Syston
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the safety concerns related to wet-shave razors in UK prisons, particularly their potential use in self-harm and assaults.

Action Requested

The Department of Justice is implementing a phased removal of wet-shave razors from adult male closed estate prisons, starting with 30 high-violence prisons. This will be followed by a roll-out across the entire adult male estate, contingent on available funding. The initial investment for this programme is over £1.5 million.

Key Facts

  • Wet-shave razors can pose dangers through self-harm and assaults in prisons.
  • Pilots of electric shavers as an alternative to wet-shave razors were conducted at HMP Leicester and HMP Swansea.
  • The phased removal will start with 30 high-violence prisons before rolling out across the whole adult male estate.
  • An initial investment of over £1.5 million is allocated for this programme.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy