Richard Burgon MP writes to David Lidington MP to seek assurances over fire safety in prisons

Labour’s
Shadow Justice Secretary, Richard Burgon MP, has today written to David
Lidington MP, the Justice Secretary, to ask what measures the Government is
taking to address the fact that every prison in England and Wales that has
undergone a fire inspection has failed its inspection.

Richard
Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, said:

“It is
appalling that not a single prison in England or Wales meets the required fire
safety standards. The terrible fire at Grenfell Tower underlines the need to
take fire safety seriously.

“The current
situation not only puts prisoners at risk, it is putting staff and visitors at
risk too. That is why I have written to David Lidington, the Secretary of State
for Justice, to ask exactly what he is doing to address this danger.

“It is vital
that urgent steps are taken to ensure prisons meet the required fire safety
standards, and that instead of keeping reports secret, the results of future
inspections are immediately made public.” 

Ends

Notes to editors:

 Full text of the letter from Richard Burgon MP to David Lidington
MP:

Dear Secretary of State,

I am writing to ask what measures you are taking in response to
the information released by the Crown Premises Fire Inspection Group that
confirms every prison in England and Wales that has undergone a fire inspection
has failed its fire inspection.

It is clear that staff, inmates and visitors are being put at
significant risk by the current fire safety conditions within prisons.
Therefore, I would like you to clarify the following:

 1. What immediate and concrete steps are being taken to improve
fire safety conditions?

2. How can the fire inspections regime be made more transparent so
that failings can be identified and acted on earlier?

Given the danger posed to members of the public, I have made this
letter public. I believe it would also be appropriate for your reply to be made
public.

Yours sincerely, 

Richard Burgon MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor