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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Jake Richards (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisons: Body Armour

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of issuing protective body armour to 514 named prison staff.

Answer

The 4,499 front-line officers (uniformed Bands 3 – 5) who are employed across the long-term high security estate are among the up to 10,000 prison staff who will receive protective body armour as part of the additional provision we have announced. The programme is due to be completed by March 2027. 514 officers have so far been equipped with protective body armour as part of the initial implementation.

HM Prison & Probation Service is satisfied that the protective body armour issued to specialist staff is appropriate for its intended operational purpose. The equipment was selected to provide protection against identified risks while remaining suitable for prolonged operational use. Feedback from users and ongoing operational assurance arrangements continue to inform our assessment of its effectiveness.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5746
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Staff Prisons Body armour
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk