Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has called for a hard line new approach to tackle the growing problem of drugs in the prison system, warning that current measures are failing to keep staff and inmates safe.
Speaking in the House of Commons this week, Mr Snowden challenged the Justice Secretary over the alarming level of drug abuse in the open prison estate, including at HMP Kirkham in his own constituency.
Some figures suggest that in some open prisons more than 40 percent of prisoners are failing drug tests when they first arrive. Mr Snowden said that level of failure shows the system is simply not working.
He is now urging the Government to adopt a clear new rule: any prisoner who fails a drug test on arrival at an open prison should be sent straight back to the closed prison they came from.
Andrew Snowden MP said:
“Drugs in prisons have been a problem for far too long, and everyone knows it makes prisons more dangerous for officers and for other prisoners. In open prisons like Kirkham the problem is even more acute because of the different layout and the different way those prisons operate.”
“When you have situations where potentially over 40 percent of prisoners are turning up to an open prison and immediately failing a drug test, something has gone badly wrong. I want to see a simple, tough, common sense policy.
“If you arrive at an open prison and you fail a drugs test, you should be sent straight back to the closed prison you came from. No excuses and no second chances.”
Mr Snowden welcomed the fact that the Justice Secretary acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and confirmed that the Government is reviewing how lower category prisons deal with drug misuse. But he insisted that stronger and faster action is needed.
“Extra X ray machines and more prison officers are welcome, but they are only part of the answer,” he said. “There has to be real consequences for prisoners who break the rules. Without that, we will never get on top of this problem. HMP Kirkham plays an important role in rehabilitation, but that only works if it is safe, secure and drug free. The public expect prisons to be places of discipline and reform, not places where drug abuse is allowed to continue unchecked. I will keep pressing ministers to take firm action. The safety of prison staff and the integrity of our justice system depend on it.”
