Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Report on a scrutiny visit to HMP Bedford by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons 2 February and 16-17 March 2021, published in March 2021, what steps he is taking to (a) improve prison safety, (b) improve staff-prisoner relationships, (c) restore key work support, (d) restore effective offender management support with progression, (e) restore direct support aimed at promoting positive family relationships, (f) increase the speed of the implementation of in-cell telephones and (g) increase the uptake of education in HMP Bedford.

The Ministry of Justice welcomes the findings of HMIP’s report and takes the concerns raised seriously. The Inspectorate found positive practices during their visit, but we recognise that the establishment still has a long way to go.

We are committed to making all our prisons decent and safe for all those who live and work there. Further easing of the restrictions will enable us to work on embedding additional improvements. We will continue to ensure that action is taken to improve conditions for those in our prisons and their outcomes on release.