Question to the Ministry of Justice:

What recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of violence and self-harm in young offenders institutions.

The safety of young people in custody is our highest priority.

Current levels of violence and self-harm within the youth estate are too high. That is why we are investing £64 million to reform youth custody, to reduce violence and improve outcomes for young people upon their release.

This includes expanding frontline staff capacity in public-sector Young Offender Institutions by 20%, introducing a new youth justice specialist role, creating Enhanced Support Units for young people with the most complex needs and developing two secure schools – one in the North West and one in the South East of England.