Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy on 'horrific attack' at Frankland

Speaking after visiting the high security jail, David Lammy said he was appalled by the incident and vowed to ensure frontline staff never face such danger again.

Speaking exclusively to The Northern Echo, the Deputy Prime minister said: “Last week I visited HMP Frankland in County Durham and met the brave officers who serve there - dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to keep the public safe.

“Like many Northern Echo readers, I was appalled by the horrific attack on three staff members last April.

"Hearing about their courage in the face of terror was inspiring, and it has reinforced my resolve to ensure such attacks never happen again.

“My message to our hardworking officers is clear: you should not feel unsafe doing your job, and I will do everything in my power to make that a reality.”

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has pledged changes to the prison system after an attack last year where three officers were stabbed at HMP Frankland in County Durham. (Image: House of Commons/PA Wire)

The intervention follows the publication of Jonathan Hall KC’s independent review of separation centres, launched in the wake of the alleged attack on staff at HMP Frankland last year.

The Government has today published its response, accepting Mr Hall’s recommendations in full and in some areas going further to improve staff safety, bolster the operation of separation centres, and address the growing complexity of radicalised individuals in custody. 

Updating Parliament today (Tuesday, February 3), Mr Lammy announced a major overhaul of separation centres used to hold the most dangerous extremist prisoners.

The plans include exploring U.S-style 'super-max' controls for the most violent offenders, tightening intelligence gathering inside prisons, and reforming the system to protect staff decisions from legal challenge.

Mr Lammy added: "That is why today I have taken decisive action. We will overhaul separation centres to better confront the threat posed by terrorist offenders behind bars, accepting every recommendation of Jonathan Hall KC’s independent review.

“This includes exploring U.S-style 'super-max' controls for the most dangerous prisoners, strengthening intelligence capabilities, and reforming the system to prevent litigation and perverse payouts to terrorists.

"It will build on the stronger protections we’ve already moved swiftly to put in place, including rolling out stab-proof vests and Tasers."

The review was launched following the alleged attack by the Manchester Arena suicide bomber's brother Hashem Abedi at HMP Frankland where he threw hot cooking oil and stabbed three officers in April.

The review examined how extremist prisoners are managed behind bars. The Government has accepted all of its recommendations in full and in some cases said it will go further.

Measures include creating a new tiered separation centre system, with the most dangerous extremists facing stricter conditions, and an expert-led review of training for staff working in these units.

There will also be changes to intelligence processes to reduce bureaucracy and ensure information directly informs operational decisions.

The Government will additionally consider whether new legislation is needed to protect separation centre decisions from legal challenges brought on Article 8 grounds, while maintaining its commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.

The reforms build on recent safety measures already introduced for prison officers, including £15 million invested in equipment such as 10,000 stab-proof vests and the rollout of Tasers to 500 staff.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Lammy said: “The horrific attack at HMP Frankland was a stark reminder of the dangers our prison staff face every day…Mr Hall’s review makes serious and wide-reaching recommendations, and our response will be decisive and determined.

“Taken together, they will strengthen security, better protect our brave prison staff and reinforce the resilience of our counter-terrorism infrastructure within the estate.”

Separation centres were first introduced in 2017 to isolate extremist prisoners who risk radicalising others.

Under the new proposals, the model will be redesigned with stricter controls for the most violent inmates and limited movement between tiers based on rigorous risk assessments.