Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with experts in (a) education, (b) youth work and (c) social work on helping to reduce levels of violence in the youth secure estate.

Youth Custody Service (YCS) officials routinely work with external partners across education, healthcare and social work fields, including with NHS England, contracted education providers and local authority youth offending services to tackle key issues, such as violence, in youth custody.

We are open to seeking expert input from other organisations where there is learning that could improve time in custody for the children in our care. The YCS is currently establishing a board which will bring together YCS senior leaders and external stakeholders with an interest in youth justice to inform strategic priorities and problem-solving for youth custody.