Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) prisons and (b) young offenders institutions have been served with an Urgent Notification in each year since 2000.

The Urgent Notification (UN) process was launched in 2017. Since then, the UN was invoked seven times across Her Majesty’s Prisons and Young Offenders’ Institution:

2018

- HMP Nottingham – invoked on 17 January.

- HMP Exeter – invoked on 30 May.

- HMP Birmingham – invoked on 20 August.

- HMP Bedford – invoked on 13 September.

2019

- HMP Bristol – invoked on 13 June.

- HMP/YOI Feltham A – invoked on 24 July.

2021

- HMP/YOI Chelmsford – invoked on 27 August.

The vast majority of the establishments have made crucial improvements in the areas of concerns highlighted by the Inspectorates. Some of this is noted by the Inspectorates in their follow up visits at the establishments.

The safety and wellbeing of all children and prisoners under our care is paramount so they can turn their lives around. Any concerns raised by the Inspectorates during their visits are taken seriously.

More information on the establishments that were issued with an Urgent Notification can be found on the gov.uk website here.