Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gregory Campbell and Nicholas Dakin

Tuesday 8th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Nicholas Dakin]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point to the fact that this is yet another Tory mess that we have inherited. As I have said, we value the work of the POA, and we recognise the significant work of prison officers and the strength of feeling on this issue. We will continue to engage with the POA and others to try to find the best way forward.

[Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP)]

There is a problem in our prisons across the United Kingdom. It is a two-spectrum problem, in that there is an increase in turnover, with prison officers leaving early, while the problem of the pension continues. Can the Minister increase the intensity of discussions with the POA to try to reach a more satisfactory outcome to which the Department and the prison officers concerned are amenable?

[Sir Nicholas Dakin]

The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. We need to make progress on this issue, and we are determined to do so.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gregory Campbell and Nicholas Dakin

Tuesday 5th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)]

The right to protest is an important part of our democracy, but it has to be exercised within the law. Sentencing in individual cases is, of course, a matter for independent courts.

[Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP)]

T2. In the past week alone, there have been four reported sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults against women in Londonderry. I know that justice is a devolved matter, but on average 140 women have been killed every year during the past 15 years. It is an issue that we cannot ignore. Will the Minister consider asking her counterparts in the devolved regions to bring a determined focus and unity of purpose to tackling violence against women and girls, to ensure that they all feel safe, no matter where they live in the country?