Claims that Covid-19 is “spiralling out of control” in prisons have been branded a “myth” by the Justice Secretary, despite MPs warning of a “spike” in deaths.
Robert Buckland told the Commons that two-thirds of the prison estate in England and Wales have “no outbreaks at all” or outbreaks of “fewer than 10”.
Government figures show the deaths of 24 prisoners were linked to Covid-19 in December, bringing the total number to 71.
But Mr Buckland sought to downplay concerns raised in the House of Commons.
Robert Buckland (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Labour’s Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) told the chamber: “Covid is spiralling out of control in our prisons. In December, deaths surged by 50% and cases by 70%.
Justice Secretary and South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland, claimed it is a “myth” to suggest Covid-19 is out of control in the country’s prisons. Labour’s Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) had told the Commons: “Covid is spiralling out of control in our prisons. In December, deaths surged by 50 per cent and cases by 70 per cent. “But unlike the last lockdown, the Government insists non-essential workers go in and out of prisons every day – risking spreading the virus.” Ms Sultana highlighted union concerns over teachers having to go into prisons to print worksheets, deliver them to cells, pick them up and then mark them on-site rather than from home.
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