🚁 Drones: High-security Prisons

Commons Chamber

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Drones are being used to smuggle drugs, phones, and weapons into high-security prisons, posing a major threat to national security. The government is investing in countermeasures like CCTV, netting, and window improvements to combat drone deliveries, and has introduced restricted fly zones around prisons. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with some prisons reporting high rates of positive drug tests among inmates. The issue is part of a broader crisis in the prison system, with the government working to address the maintenance backlog and support prison officers in their efforts to maintain security.

Summary

  • National Security Risk of Drones in Prisons: The session focused on the threat posed by drones delivering contraband, including weapons, to high-security prisons, which poses a risk to national security.

  • Government Action on Drone Threats: The Minister outlined that despite inheriting a prison system in crisis, the government is taking action to deter, detect, and disrupt drone use through targeted countermeasures like enhanced windows, netting, and the introduction of restricted fly zones around prisons in early 2024.

  • Contraband and Illicit Economies: The issue of contraband, driven by a highly profitable illicit economy within prisons, was highlighted. The government is investing in units to combat the organized crime gangs behind these activities.

  • Chief Inspector’s Warning: The Chief Inspector of Prisons expressed concerns about organized crime groups controlling airspace over prisons, resulting in the delivery of drugs, phones, and weapons, which could potentially escalate to serious security breaches like escapes or hostage situations.

  • Government’s Response to Criticism: The Minister defended the government’s efforts by noting a significant increase in drone sightings under the previous administration and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve prison security and tackle the maintenance backlog.

  • Political Exchanges: There were political exchanges, with the opposition criticizing the government for not addressing these issues sooner, and the government responding by pointing out inherited problems and their current actions.

  • Inquiries and Investments: The Justice Committee announced an inquiry into drugs in prisons, and the government announced a £500 million boost to the prison maintenance budget.

  • Technological and Strategic Initiatives: Discussions included exploring new anti-drone technologies and learning from international counterparts, including the Five Eyes partners, to combat the problem.

  • Support for Prison Staff: Emphasis was placed on supporting prison officers, with mentions of incentivized substance-free living units and ongoing meetings with the Prison Officers’ Association.

  • Regional Concerns: Several MPs raised specific concerns about drone activity and prison security in their constituencies, with some requesting more direct support and engagement from the government.

Divisiveness

The session displays a moderate level of disagreement, primarily centered around the issue of responsibility and effectiveness of current and past government policies regarding drone security in prisons. The disagreement is evident in the exchanges between Robert Jenrick (Con) and Sir Nicholas Dakin (Lab), where Jenrick questions the government’s handling of the situation and the urgency of their actions, while Dakin counters by emphasizing the inherited issues from the previous administration and the actions being taken by the current government. The session involves critiques of past and present policies, with some Members of Parliament expressing frustration over the lack of progress and others defending the current government’s approach, indicating a clear but not extreme level of disagreement.