Transpeople (Prisons) Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice
Friday 20th November 2015

(8 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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I am grateful for what my hon. Friend has said about our hon. Friend the Member for Keighley. I discussed this matter with him earlier, having noted his constituency interest.

We take seriously our obligation to provide the right level of emotional support for prison officers after events such as this. Help and counselling will be available to any who need assistance after this or similar events.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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My thoughts are with the family and friends of Vicky Thompson. We debated the issue of the serious shortage of prison officers and mental health specialists in prisons back in the summer. Will the Minister work specifically with the trans community on the needs and risks assessments for specialists in prisons?

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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The hon. Lady has made a good point. I will speak to the officials who are conducting the review. As I told the House earlier, members of the trans community are involved in the review, but if we can add anything to it, I shall be open to that.