Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what guidance his Department issues on the categorisation and management of prisoners who have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) terror-related and (ii) national security-related offences.

Terrorism and national security-related offences vary considerably.

Risk assessments are carried out to determine the appropriate categorisation of each prisoner. Where an individual is serving a determinate custodial sentence for a terrorist or terrorist connected offence, their categorisation risk assessment must be informed by the Regional Counter Terrorism Team. Any individuals serving a sentence for an offence of this nature are deemed as unsuitable for the open estate unless there are exceptional circumstances.

There is a range of guidance on managing prisoners charged with or convicted of terror related offences in custody. There is a multi-agency, end-to-end case management process, which includes regular risk assessments. Much of the specific guidance is operationally sensitive and disclosing it would undermine national security efforts and the maintenance of good order in prisons.