Safety in Custody and Violence in Prisons Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Safety in Custody and Violence in Prisons

Rupa Huq Excerpts
Monday 9th May 2016

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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I recently visited HMP Manchester in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, and I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding work of prison officers there, facing some challenging prisoners. We are absolutely committed to improving mental health in prisons. NHS England is taking on an extra 20 case managers this year for adult secure services. We have co-commissioning coming up, and we take mental health issues extremely seriously.

Rupa Huq Portrait Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)
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The Minister is well aware of the Justice Select Committee’s inquiry into prison safety, which addresses the issue of violence. Members might have noticed that on Friday, the news slipped out that the Medway Secure Training Centre, which was mis-run by G4S, has now come into Ministry of Justice hands. The next day, a report came out on Rainsbrook, showing endemic use of force and restraint. Surely the logical conclusion is that the MOJ should now take over Rainsbrook private youth prison.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I have a strong sense that Members will be approaching the Chairman of the Backbench Business Committee to seek a debate on these matters. I say that because quite a lot of what we have heard has been nearer to debate contributions than to questions. I hope I can make that point gently.