Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the minutes of the 84th SAGE meeting on covid-19 of 25 March 2021, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the conclusions noted on the (a) speed of vaccination and (b) uptake of vaccination of (i) prison staff and (ii) prisoners.

Over the course of the pandemic we have expanded the use of testing based on public health recommendations, and we now offer testing routinely to all staff and those prisoners who are moving into or within the prison estate. We also conduct mass testing as part of a multi-agency response to outbreaks. We are constantly seeking to harness the benefits that new testing technologies might be able to offer, as soon as they become available, to strengthen our defences against the virus further.

PCR tests are only sent for genomic sequencing if a positive result is indicated and as required according to Public Health guidance. HMPPS is working with health partners to ensure these tests are prioritised for sequencing along with positive cases in the care home sector. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to work closely with PHE and PHW to determine the appropriate testing regime in prisons, including any changes due to the effect of vaccination.

Vaccines are at the centre of the Government’s plan to ensure life can return to as normal as soon as possible. Social distancing and basic hygiene, however, continue to be effective controls to reduce transmission and we continue to provide access to the right cleaning and hygiene products in prisons as we move into recovery.

The vaccination programme is managed by the NHS, although we continue to support healthcare colleagues to vaccinate prisoners. Prisoners are being vaccinated in line with the community, and based on the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Whilst it is voluntary, we are strongly encouraging all those who are eligible to get vaccinated, to protect themselves and those around them.