Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
165
Conclusion
6th Report - Tackling the drugs crisis …
Accepted
We are deeply concerned by the significant shift towards the use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), most notably synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. Their popularity is due to their affordability, accessibility and their potency. In turning to these drugs, prisoners are able to “cheat the system” as current drug testing …
Government response. The government is undertaking various initiatives to improve purposeful activity in prisons, including exploring metrics, developing guidance, co-designing models, and enhancing recovery-related activities. They commit to providing an update on progress by April 2026.
Ministry of Justice
166
Conclusion
6th Report - Tackling the drugs crisis …
Accepted
Given the extreme potency and low lethal dose of substances such as Nitazenes and Fentanyl, the circulation of these drugs in prisons leads to a high risk of drug-related deaths and overdoses, as tragically seen at HMP Parc. The MoJ and HMPPS must take urgent steps to address the evolving …
Government response. The government is enhancing staff capability on drugs and recovery by introducing a new capabilities framework, broadening the 'Enable Programme' training, redesigning Foundation Training for new officers, and strengthening specialist roles. They will also undertake a training needs analysis in …
Ministry of Justice
172
Conclusion
6th Report - Tackling the drugs crisis …
Accepted
Drug-related debt and exploitation are fundamental drivers of violence, coercion and systemic instability within the prison estate. The prevalence of drugs creates a shadow economy where debts, which can accrue up to £10,000, are collected through intimidation and violence. The consequences extend beyond the prison walls, with criminal networks coercing …
Government response. The government has developed a 'Send legal mail to prisons' digital service to secure legal correspondence and is exploring new technologies to screen legal mail for illicit substances. They are committed to strengthening mail security, though mandating the digital service …
Ministry of Justice
189
Conclusion
6th Report - Tackling the drugs crisis …
Accepted
While the recent £40 million investment in prison security is a welcome step, current drug detection technologies are being outpaced by the sophistication of drones and the criminal networks behind them. The ability of criminals to leverage illicitly acquired mobile phones for remote coordination and financial transactions undermines traditional security …
Government response. The government acknowledges the committee's focus on security challenges, highlighting significant ongoing investments of over £40 million in physical security, including anti-drone measures and X-ray body scanners across prisons. They also note new legislation introduced 400m drone 'no-fly zones' and …
Ministry of Justice
197
Conclusion
6th Report - Tackling the drugs crisis …
Accepted
A major obstacle to tackling drug supply is the disparity in security equipment provision between prisons. The prisons that utilise drug detection technology demonstrate its profound and immediate impact on security. This confirms that investments in advanced detection machinery are not optional, but rather an essential prerequisite for consistently detecting …
Government response. The government acknowledges the committee's focus, highlighting ongoing investments of over £40 million in physical security across 34 prisons, including anti-drone measures. They note X-ray body scanners are now in all closed adult male prisons and new legislation has introduced …
Ministry of Justice
198
Recommendation
6th Report - Tackling the drugs crisis …
Accepted
Security measures must acknowledge the principle of displacement; as one route is closed, efforts must then be made to proactively mitigate risks across the full range of other potential ingress methods by ensuring uniform security standards throughout the prison estate. (Conclusion, Paragraph 120) 66 Support for prisoners
Government response. The government appreciates the committee’s focus on security, detailing ongoing investments of over £40 million in physical security, widespread deployment of X-ray body scanners, and new legislation creating drone 'no-fly zones'. They continue to work closely with law enforcement to …
Ministry of Justice