Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to help ensure that conditions in (a) prisons, (b) police cells, (c) immigration detention and (d) escort vans are safe during the level 4 heat-health alert.

We have worked closely with the prison estate during this period of hot weather to ensure they are appropriately prepared. Heatwave guidance in line with the Heatwave Plan for England was issued to the whole prison estate on 15th June in anticipation of hot weather, and further advice issued on 15th July to all prison governors to support them with managing the situation at the local level. We remain in close contact.

As well as providing information on safety for the general prison population and for staff, the guidance covers support for vulnerable groups identified by the UK Health Security Agency as at greater risk in heatwaves. The guidance encourages joint working with NHS prison health services to identify and support people with vulnerabilities.

The vehicles providing Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) were introduced in 2020/21, and all have air conditioning. Court custody suites are routinely monitored with calibrated temperature monitoring equipment. HMCTS and PECS have an agreed process in place for the management of extreme temperatures and work closely together to ensure a safe operating environment. When appropriate measures can include the closure and the use of alternative courts.

The Home Office manage Immigration Detention Centres (IRCs). They have confirmed that, in line with the Detention Centre Rules 2001 and Short-Term Holding Facility Rules 2018, detained individuals are given the opportunity to spend at least one hour in the open air each day. As part of planning for the level 4 heat health alert all IRCs have adequate stocks of bottled water for residents. Summer clothing and sun cream are also provided on request.

As part of the planning for the level 4 heat health alert all police forces should have sufficient availability of food and water in custody suites and contingency plans in place for maintaining operational capability. In addition, local plans may include the effective use of bail or voluntary attendance to ensure that periods in police detention are kept to a minimum.

The Home Office publish guidance on Gov.uk (at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accommodation-lighting-heating-and-ventilation) regarding accommodation standards for those in detention, which includes minimum requirements for space and ventilation