Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) has been specifically developed for use by staff working with children and young people in custody. It has been designed so that physical restraint is avoided as far as possible by recognising young people’s behaviour, and by using a range of de-escalation, diversion and behaviour management techniques to help them deal with it effectively and appropriately. MMPR was initially used in secure training centres, and is now being operationally used by the Youth Justice Board’s secure escort provider, who escort children to and from court, secure training centres, and secure children’s homes.

The Government is clear that restraint should only ever be used against young people as a last resort where it is absolutely necessary to do so and where no other form of intervention is possible or appropriate. Use of restraint is closely monitored in the youth secure estate.

Minimising and Managing Physical Restraint (MMPR) training provides staff with knowledge about recognising which health conditions are associated with an increased risk of harm to a young person during physical restraint, what symptoms and signs should be monitored during restraint, and actions to take should such symptoms occur. MMPR training also instructs staff on how to deal with a medical emergency should one arise during restraint.

In addition, all custody officers in Secure Training Centres receive first aid training as part of their initial training course. In Young Offender Institutions all custodial managers must be trained in first aid.

Following the commitment made by the UK Government in the G8 Declaration on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict to review the doctrine and training provided to the UK Armed Forces, Ministers have instructed officials in the Ministry of Defence to undertake a review of our doctrine and training, and this work is currently ongoing.

All operations are informed by appropriate legal advice and are conducted in accordance with applicable international humanitarian law. All Service personnel are subject to the criminal law of England and Wales by virtue of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (which applies extra-territorially). Any criminal wrongdoing (involving rape or other sexual violence) would be investigated by the Service police and result in a criminal trial by court-martial.

All Army personnel, whatever their rank, are subject to mandatory annual training in this area involving what is known as Military Annual Training Tests 7 dealing with Operational Law. Current guidance to Armed Forces personnel on sexual violence in conflict (in the context of war crimes) is set out in the Joint Service Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict. Overarching Prescriptive Guidance on the treatment of detainees is given by Joint Doctrine Publication 1-10 (JDP 1-10) entitled 'Captured Persons'.

JDP 1-10 repeatedly emphasises the minimum standard of treatment permissible which is humane treatment. In the chapter of JDP 1-10 on Standards of Treatment, the following is stated, inter alia, in relation to the treatment of females: “The captivity of females is culturally sensitive. Due regard must be given to females' physical strength, the need to protect them against rape, forced prostitution and other forms of sexual violence or abuse”. JDP 1-10 is currently under review with the intention to publish a new edition.

In addition, wherever the UK is asked to provide training or capacity building for overseas Armed Forces, we ensure that human rights risks are assessed in accordance with Her Majesty Government's Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance, and include a human rights component wherever possible.

Following the commitment made by the UK Government in the G8 Declaration on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict to review the doctrine and training provided to the UK Armed Forces, Ministers have instructed officials in the Ministry of Defence to undertake a review of our doctrine and training, and this work is currently ongoing.

All operations are informed by appropriate legal advice and are conducted in accordance with applicable international humanitarian law. All Service personnel are subject to the criminal law of England and Wales by virtue of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (which applies extra-territorially). Any criminal wrongdoing (involving rape or other sexual violence) would be investigated by the Service police and result in a criminal trial by court-martial.

All Army personnel, whatever their rank, are subject to mandatory annual training in this area involving what is known as Military Annual Training Tests 7 dealing with Operational Law. Current guidance to Armed Forces personnel on sexual violence in conflict (in the context of war crimes) is set out in the Joint Service Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict. Overarching Prescriptive Guidance on the treatment of detainees is given by Joint Doctrine Publication 1-10 (JDP 1-10) entitled 'Captured Persons'.

JDP 1-10 repeatedly emphasises the minimum standard of treatment permissible which is humane treatment. In the chapter of JDP 1-10 on Standards of Treatment, the following is stated, inter alia, in relation to the treatment of females: “The captivity of females is culturally sensitive. Due regard must be given to females' physical strength, the need to protect them against rape, forced prostitution and other forms of sexual violence or abuse”. JDP 1-10 is currently under review with the intention to publish a new edition.

In addition, wherever the UK is asked to provide training or capacity building for overseas Armed Forces, we ensure that human rights risks are assessed in accordance with Her Majesty Government's Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance, and include a human rights component wherever possible.

The Ministry of Defence has not discussed the provision of training on the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with any government in Africa. The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) uses tactical handheld Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) UAS and simulated (by a manned aircraft) UAS for the purpose of training British Forces in Kenya. This use has been agreed with both the Kenyan MOD and the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority. Individual flights are notified to the Kenyan authorities.

In support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the United Kingdom operates the Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) in Afghanistan in co-operation with the United States Air Force. Reaper is the only UK RPAS that is operated with an international partner. Royal Air Force pilots undertake their Reaper conversion training in the United States. No Reaper training or trials events have taken place in the UK.

Since the inspection a new governor has been appointed to HMP Lincoln. He is working closely with a new learning and skills provider and other partners to improve and monitor attendance at work, training and education places. They are committed to delivering an appropriate level of offender learning

to meet the needs of prisoners, and thereby improving on the previous arrangements and partnership working that existed.

Work is also under way on the reorganisation of Lincoln, in order to deliver a more effective regime.

As with all establishment inspection reports by HMIP, NOMS intends to produce an action plan responding to all the recommendations made in the report between three and six months after the date of publication. I will therefore write to the noble Baroness detailing the response to the specific recommendations about this matter once the plan has been sent to the chief inspector.