Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his Department has to publish an advertisement for the position of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons once it becomes vacant in October 2026.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

Following consultation with the Justice Select Committee (JSC) about campaign plans to recruit to this position, we plan to advertise the role shortly. We will update the JSC on the timetable in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department taking to help prevent prisoners from avoiding their Release on Temporary Licence.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) is a key part of preparing individuals for safe resettlement into the community. The Ministry of Justice takes the risk of prisoners failing to return from ROTL extremely seriously. I have assumed that it is this risk that you are referring to when you ask about preventing prisoners from ‘avoiding their Release on Temporary Licence'.

ROTL is only granted following a rigorous risk assessment and is available only to prisoners who meet strict eligibility criteria. Decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis, taking account of the prisoner’s behaviour and compliance in custody, the nature of their index offence, and the purpose of the release.

Where ROTL is approved, prisoners are subject to clear licence conditions, monitoring requirements and, where appropriate, curfews and checks on employment or resettlement placements. The inherent risk that offenders breach the trust placed in them is closely managed through robust controls.

Any failure to return from ROTL is a criminal offence and can result in recall to custody, removal of future ROTL, and prosecution with a custodial sentence imposed. Where a prisoner fails to return, prisons and the police act promptly to locate and return the individual to custody.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information his Department holds on whether Suffolk Police are to be given additional (a) officers, (b) funding and (c) logistical support when the expansion of HMP Highpoint is completed.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.