Business of the House

Connor Rand Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Lady raises an important question, and I will ensure that she gets an explanation from the appropriate Minister.

[Mr Connor Rand (Altrincham and Sale West) (Lab)]

I associate myself with hon. Members’ comments about the horrific fire in Hong Kong.

My constituents’ vulnerable son died recently after attempting suicide in his prison cell at Forest Bank prison and later succumbing to his injuries. His mother is understandably devastated and appalled about the standard of care that he received prior to his death. Some 27 inmates at Forest Bank—a private prison run by Sodexo—have now died in the past five years alone, which is deeply troubling. Might we have a debate in Government time on the standard of private prisons that receive Government contracts?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to the friends and family of my hon. Friend’s constituents—and indeed to all friends and family who have been affected by deaths in custody, which are always a tragedy. Prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm are supported through individual case management, but the case that my hon. Friend raises is worrying. I will ensure that the Justice Secretary hears his concerns, and I invite him to request a meeting—which I will facilitate—with the appropriate Minister.