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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Jake Richards (Labour) on Friday, 26 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisons: Smuggling

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's press release entitled £35 million government funding boost to stop drones smuggling contraband into prisons, published on 11 June 2026, how many arrests linked to prison drone activity have resulted in (a) charges and (b) convictions in each of the last five years.

Answer

We have invested £40 million in new security measures to clamp down on contraband that fuels violence behind bars - including £10 million on anti-drone measures, such as window replacements, external window grilles and specialist netting.

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has adopted a multi-faceted approach to the problem, which includes physical security countermeasures, exploring technological developments, exploiting intelligence, strengthening legislation and working across Government and with international partners on this global issue. HMPPS will continue to adapt its counter-drone security measures to ensure we keep pace with the evolving threat.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the proportion of the reduction in drone-related smuggling incidents that can be attributed to the installation of steel grilles. Similarly, the requested information in relation to arrests linked to prison drone activity is not available, as arrests and charges are matters for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10950
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Arrests Convictions Prisons Smuggling Unmanned air systems
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk