Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure social distancing measures are being effectively implemented in prisons in order to ensure the safety of private security staff operating in those environments.

Restricted regimes are currently in place in prisons, meaning that prisoners are spending more of their time in their cells to support social distancing as recommended by Public Health England guidance. When allowed out of their cells, for example for exercise or showering, it is on a rota basis in small manageable groups, supervised by officers, allowing for social distancing to be maintained.

These measures are essential for protecting prisoners and all staff working in prisons.