Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps she is taking to support the police and prison services in informing and reassuring the public in a timely manner during escape incidents.

NOMS works closely with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to ensure escaped prisoners are arrested, returned to custody as soon as possible and prosecuted. Following an escape the police are notified immediately and will lead the investigation. Victims of the offence committed by the escaped prisoner who are registered with the Victim Support Service will be notified of the escape and the police may choose to publicise the details of the prisoners if this is beneficial to their investigation.

NOMS takes public protection and escapes from prison extremely seriously and an immediate investigation will be undertaken by NOMS following an escape and lessons learnt passed to all prisons.