Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to defend the integrity of airspace above the prison estate from drone incursions which facilitate the delivery of illicit materials to prisoners.

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is working hard to deter, detect and disrupt the use of illegal drones to deliver contraband into prisons.

Restricted Fly Zones have been introduced around all closed prisons and young offender institutions. These restrictions make all unauthorised drone incursions a crime and support police and prison collaboration to disrupt illegal drone use. Those using drones to smuggle illicit items which drive violence and criminality in custody may face up to a decade behind bars.

This year, we are investing over £40 million in physical security across 34 prisons.

Whilst we cannot share our counter drone tactics, as that would aid sophisticated serious and organised criminals, HMPPS uses suitable technology, alongside physical countermeasures and intelligence tools, with the support of Law Enforcement Agencies, to disrupt those who use drones. We are also working with UK and global partners to understand the tactics used abroad and identify opportunities to strengthen our response to illicit drone activity.