Ministers announce new prison measures for dangerous offenders
Plans to implement US-style “supermax” prison wings for the most dangerous offenders in the UK were announced by ministers, effectively blocking the use of European human rights laws to influence inmate treatment, reports BritPanorama.
The announcement follows a violent incident involving an attack on guards at HMP Frankland last year, described by officials as “horrific.” Details regarding the scale of the proposed changes reveal a focus on extreme and violent inmates, who will be placed in separation centres with tighter restrictions on their freedoms.
Justice Secretary David Lammy indicated that these measures would align with practices seen in notorious American correctional facilities. He mentioned that new legislation is being reviewed to prevent criminals from appealing to the European Convention on Human Rights in ways that could soften their treatment within the penal system.
A review conducted by lawyer Jonathan Hall highlighted several instances where inmates leveraged their Article 8 rights concerning family life to initiate legal actions against prison officers. This prompted ministers to consider whether existing laws adequately support decisions made by experienced staff in separation centres and to mitigate litigation risks based on these rights.
Notably, Hashem Abedi, who was convicted in connection with the Manchester Arena bombing, faces attempted murder charges for an attack against three prison officers at HMP Frankland. Abedi, currently serving a life sentence, has denied the allegations.
Justice Minister Jake Richards remarked on the severity of the threats posed by terrorists incarcerated in Britain. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of prison staff and the public by revising separation centre protocols and potentially redefining the legal constraints of the European Convention on Human Rights as they pertain to managing high-risk offenders.
“We are determined to stop such atrocities from happening again,” Richards stated, accentuating the need for robust protections for prison officers.
This initiative marks a significant shift in the handling of violent offenders, reflecting growing concerns over prison safety and the legal frameworks that govern inmate rights.
Such legislative changes may reshuffle the balance between prisoner rights and public safety, presenting a complex challenge for policymakers moving forward.
