PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Prisons: Crimes of Violence (14 January 2020)

The Government publishes quarterly statistics on violence in prison, and a more detailed annual breakdown, which are both available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/safety-in-custody-statistics.

The Government is taking unprecedented action to improve safety in prisons and reduce the level of crime in prisons. We are rolling out our key worker model to provide individual support to each prisoner from a dedicated officer. We have equipped officers with body-worn cameras and are rolling out PAVA incapacitant spray to help prevent serious harm to staff and prisoners when dealing with violent incidents. As part of our £2.75 billion plan to transform the prison estate, we are investing £100 million to bolster security and tackle the supply of illicit items which drive prison violence.

Up to £2.5 billion will be spent on creating 10,000 additional modern prison places to crack down on crime. Modern prisons provide better opportunities to reform criminals and cut the £18 billion cost of reoffending to society each year. Newer prisons are also more efficient to run and benefit the taxpayer in the longer term.