Prisoners: Self-harm

(asked on 15th May 2026) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the rate of incidences of self-harm is among (a) prisoners with IPP sentences and (b) the general prison population.


Answered by
Jake Richards Portrait
Jake Richards
Assistant Whip
This question was answered on 22nd May 2026

While public protection is our number one priority, we are working with organisations and campaign groups to support those still serving these sentences, including through access to mental health support and rehabilitation programmes.

In the 12 months to December 2025, the rate of self-harm incidents for prisoners with IPP sentences was 1,290 per 1,000 prisoners. In the same period, the rate of self-harm for the entire prison population was 837 per 1,000 prisoners.

These statistics were published as part of the Safety in Custody Statistics Quarterly Update, which can be found here: Safety in custody: quarterly update to December 2025 - GOV.UK.

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