Prison Officers Association: Withdrawal from Voluntary Tasks Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Prison Officers Association: Withdrawal from Voluntary Tasks

Alex Chalk Excerpts
Tuesday 28th February 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sam Gyimah Portrait Mr Gyimah
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As I have said, strike action is unlawful. If prison officers withdraw their labour, that will make the regime even more restrictive, as the Chairman of the Justice Committee suggested. That is why we are urging hard-working prison officers to go back to work and make sure that prisoners can carry on with these regimes, whether in continuing important rehabilitative work or in making sure that our prisons are safe.

Alex Chalk Portrait Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) (Con)
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It is concerning that this action could lead to Tornado teams being withdrawn. Will the Minister confirm that contingency measures are in place to ensure that prison order can be maintained at all times?

Sam Gyimah Portrait Mr Gyimah
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I am sure that our prison officers will always do their duty if there is disorder in prisons, even at this difficult time. We are obviously urging the POA to withdraw its bulletin, but we also make sure that we have contingency plans for times like this.