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Full Sutton prisoner kept in restraints in hospital while in a coma, Ombudsman finds
Adrian Usher says his investigation into the death of 74-year-old Malcolm MacDougal found evidence of systemic failure and unnecessarily harsh treatment.
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Prison lawyers urge Justice Secretary to restart Home Detention Curfew
The Association of Prison Lawyers has written to Alex Norris after the pause in early releases, warning that halting Home Detention Curfew will add to pressure on prison places.
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Early releases to resume in October with rape and child sex offences excluded
Andy Burnham has revived the Sentencing Act release scheme a month late and for fewer prisoners. He has also asked officials to review IPP sentences.
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Escapes and absconds rise as releases in error fall, annual prison figures show
The HM Prison and Probation Service Annual Digest shows 14 escapes from closed prisons in the year to March 2026, while releases in error fell to 192.
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Deaths and self-harm in prisons fall, but homicide rate stays high
Ministry of Justice figures show deaths in prisons in England and Wales fell by 10 per cent in the year to June 2026, while homicides remained close to a record level.
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Guernsey prison officers begin work-to-rule in dispute over pay and conditions
Staff at Les Nicolles prison stopped working overtime and extra duties on 27 July, leading to longer weekday lock-up hours. Their union says many prisoners back the action.
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Kemi Badenoch apologises for Conservative failure to build enough prison places
The Conservative leader said she was sorry her party had not built enough prison places in 14 years of government, and urged communities to accept new jails near them.
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Recalls to prison outnumber releases for the first time
Official figures show 13,193 recalls against 12,977 releases in the first three months of 2026. Most recalls were for reasons other than suspected new offences.
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Prison performance ratings improve, but HMPPS says gains may be overstated
The 2025/26 prison performance ratings show 16 jails rated ‘outstanding’ and 14 ‘of serious concern’. HMPPS said the scale of change probably overstates the real improvement.
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Oakhill Secure Training Centre still inadequate despite some improvements
An Ofsted-led inspection found better health care, cleaner surroundings and stronger resettlement work, but serious safeguarding concerns left children's overall experiences inadequate.