As I have said to the Noble Lord in previous answers, we are aware of the cases referenced in these questions. The UK maintains a constructive and longstanding relationship with Bahrain, enabling frank discussion on a range of issues including human rights. We recognise the important role of the Special Investigation Unit within Bahrain's oversight framework and note that an officer has been sentenced in relation to the death of Sayed Mohammed al-Mousawi.

The Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) programme for the financial year 2025/26 supported a wide range of UK strategic objectives in Bahrain. This included support to security institutions in progressing community justice reforms and exploring avenues of cooperation to counter money laundering and terrorist-financing. All GSF programming is subject to rigorous assessments to ensure it meets with human rights obligations and our values.

As I said to the Noble Lord in my answer of 9 June to Question HL522, we are aware of the cases referenced in his questions, and we continue to encourage the thorough investigation of all cases where human rights concerns are raised.

HMG has made no assessment of the number of Imams present in the UK as part of the Government’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy CONTEST, nor of their language skills. As outlined in our previous response. The Immigration Rules governing T2 Minister of Religion roles require applicants to demonstrate a strong command of the English language in order to qualify for a visa.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) have been selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons. All Chaplaincy IPs are existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist frontline staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks.

They were selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism, including but not limited to strong communication skills, experience in supporting the rehabilitation of TACT and TACT-connected offenders, and previous theological training.

It would be inappropriate to release the names of the Chaplaincy IPs, as these are operational staff who are not Senior Civil Servants.

The onboarding of Chaplaincy IPs includes an initial week-long training package on how to deliver one-to-one interventions, theological and ideological narratives and counter narratives; and, psychological therapeutic approaches. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields. Chaplaincy IPs also receive ongoing training, support and feedback via headquarters, their local counter terrorism teams, and external practitioners.

We are not in a position to release the Chaplaincy IP training materials. This is because the likely threat to the good order and security of prisons, and the implications of this for prisoners and staff, favours non-disclosure of information detailing operational procedure such as guidance around extremist behavioural indicators and staff reporting and case management of offenders’ extremism risk.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) have been selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons. All Chaplaincy IPs are existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist frontline staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks.

They were selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism, including but not limited to strong communication skills, experience in supporting the rehabilitation of TACT and TACT-connected offenders, and previous theological training.

It would be inappropriate to release the names of the Chaplaincy IPs, as these are operational staff who are not Senior Civil Servants.

The onboarding of Chaplaincy IPs includes an initial week-long training package on how to deliver one-to-one interventions, theological and ideological narratives and counter narratives; and, psychological therapeutic approaches. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields. Chaplaincy IPs also receive ongoing training, support and feedback via headquarters, their local counter terrorism teams, and external practitioners.

We are not in a position to release the Chaplaincy IP training materials. This is because the likely threat to the good order and security of prisons, and the implications of this for prisoners and staff, favours non-disclosure of information detailing operational procedure such as guidance around extremist behavioural indicators and staff reporting and case management of offenders’ extremism risk.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) have been selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons. All Chaplaincy IPs are existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist frontline staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks.

They were selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism, including but not limited to strong communication skills, experience in supporting the rehabilitation of TACT and TACT-connected offenders, and previous theological training.

It would be inappropriate to release the names of the Chaplaincy IPs, as these are operational staff who are not Senior Civil Servants.

The onboarding of Chaplaincy IPs includes an initial week-long training package on how to deliver one-to-one interventions, theological and ideological narratives and counter narratives; and, psychological therapeutic approaches. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields. Chaplaincy IPs also receive ongoing training, support and feedback via headquarters, their local counter terrorism teams, and external practitioners.

We are not in a position to release the Chaplaincy IP training materials. This is because the likely threat to the good order and security of prisons, and the implications of this for prisoners and staff, favours non-disclosure of information detailing operational procedure such as guidance around extremist behavioural indicators and staff reporting and case management of offenders’ extremism risk.

As of 6 March 2020, 29% of Managing Chaplains in prisons in England and Wales were Muslim. No information is held centrally of the faith adherence ten years ago of managing chaplains (or their then equivalent). As of 31 December 2019, 16% of prisoners in England Wales declared that they were Muslim.

Data on prisoner religion up to December 2019 is shown below. These figures are regularly published on gov.uk under table 1.5 of the prison statistics information.

The role of Managing Chaplain is predominantly managerial rather than faith based and posts are filled through fair and open competition in line with Civil Service guidelines.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) were selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons which launched in January 2019.

All were existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks. They are therefore not independent of government, but selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism.

Existing skills are supplemented with a diverse set of training; for example, in one-to-one interventions, theology, counter-narratives, and psychology. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields.

The recruitment of additional chaplains is kept under review to ensure needs are being met. We take continuous improvement seriously and consult community and academic partners wherever possible.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) were selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons which launched in January 2019.

All were existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks. They are therefore not independent of government, but selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism.

Existing skills are supplemented with a diverse set of training; for example, in one-to-one interventions, theology, counter-narratives, and psychology. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields.

The recruitment of additional chaplains is kept under review to ensure needs are being met. We take continuous improvement seriously and consult community and academic partners wherever possible.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) were selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons which launched in January 2019.

All were existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks. They are therefore not independent of government, but selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism.

Existing skills are supplemented with a diverse set of training; for example, in one-to-one interventions, theology, counter-narratives, and psychology. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields.

The recruitment of additional chaplains is kept under review to ensure needs are being met. We take continuous improvement seriously and consult community and academic partners wherever possible.

The Government has formulated a combined response to the Member’s questions given the connected nature of the questions.

23 Chaplaincy Intervention Providers (IPs) were selected to deliver the Theological and Ideological Interventions (TII) Programme in prisons which launched in January 2019.

All were existing HMPPS Chaplaincy employees – recommended by HMPPS Counter-Terrorism specialist staff, and subject to Government vetting and due diligence checks. They are therefore not independent of government, but selected based on experience, knowledge and skills in challenging extremism.

Existing skills are supplemented with a diverse set of training; for example, in one-to-one interventions, theology, counter-narratives, and psychology. Training is delivered and reviewed in partnership with local Counter-Terrorism teams, and other practitioners working in complementary fields.

The recruitment of additional chaplains is kept under review to ensure needs are being met. We take continuous improvement seriously and consult community and academic partners wherever possible.

Data on the prisoners’ religion is published and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/offender-management-statistics-quarterly-april-to-june-2018 (table 1.5 of the prison population tables for 30 September 2018). Latest data shows that 16% of prisoners in England and Wales identify themselves as Muslims.

There are 33 prisons in which there are Muslim Managing Chaplains. These are HMPs Aylesbury, Bedford, Brinsford, Bristol, Brixton, Buckley Hall, Bullingdon, Channings Wood, Cookham Wood, Deerbolt, Doncaster, Featherstone, Forest Bank, Garth, Gartree, Grendon/Springhill, Highpoint, Humber, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Long Lartin, Nottingham, Oakwood, Pentonville, Preston, Stoke Heath, Sudbury, Swinfen Hall, Thameside, Werrington, Whitemoor, and Wormwood Scrubs.

Prison Governors are responsible for appointing all Chaplains into prison based roles.

In order to ensure our current practice is as robust and effective as possible in dealing with extremism in prison, the Justice Secretary commissioned a review, supported by external expertise, of the overall approach to dealing with Islamist extremism in prisons, probation and the youth justice system and is currently considering the recommendations.

There are three routes of entry to the UK for religious workers and ministers of religion. Those coming for longer term roles under Tier 2 of the Points Based System are required to demonstrate that that are proficient in English at level B2 (upper intermediate level) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

No assessment of English language is required for religious workers coming to fill temporary positions under Tier 5 of the Points Based System. Similarly those entering at short term visitors are not required to demonstrate proficiency in English language. We are actively reviewing the Immigration Rules for religious routes of entry including English language requirements.

This Government is committed to preventing the entry into the UK of individuals whose behaviours and views are not conducive to shared values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Since May 2010, the Home Secretary has excluded 84 preachers of hate. The Home Secretary uses these powers when justified and based on all available evidence. Where appropriate, this may include public statements and written material.

The number of investigations into prison imams completed between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2014 was 13, 9 of which resulted in disciplinary action. Figures have not been provided for individual years as the numbers in each year, other than 2013, are five or fewer. The detail cannot be provided to prevent identification or disclosure relating to individual cases. Similarly, information on the alleged breach of conduct and discipline is not being provided for the same reasons.

There are 100 directly employed and also 120 sessional Muslim Chaplains. All employed Chaplains go through a robust recruitment process. Following a competency based application and panel sift there is a three part board consisting of sermon, role play and panel interview. A Chaplain also requires endorsement by their faith community - for Muslim Chaplains this would be the NOMS Muslim Adviser. Sessional Muslim Chaplains are required to have the appropriate Islamic credentials checked by our Muslim Adviser. A disciplinary investigation for an employed Chaplain follows the same process as that for any other NOMS employee.

There were a total of 70 adult prisons which had one or more directly employed Muslim chaplain on 30 June 2014, representing 65% of all adult establishments. 14 establishments in the youth secure estate had one or more directly employed Muslim Chaplain on 30 June 2014, representing 93% of the establishments. This information includes both public and private sector establishments.

Access to Muslim Chaplains is more widespread than it appears from these figures. There are 393 imams employed across the prison estate, and the majority of establishments have access to Muslim Chaplains even if they don’t have a directly employed Muslim Chaplain attached to the establishment.