Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether representatives of prison officers were consulted over the (a) design, and (b) procurement of new protective body armour.  [128632]

[Due for Answer on 27 April]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice (Jake Richards): His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is committed to equipping up to 10,000 staff with protective body armour by March 2027. Work is continuing to support delivery against this commitment, ensuring it is implemented in a controlled and proportionate manner, with appropriate governance and oversight in place.

Both the Prison Officers Association and the Prison Governors Association were consulted in the initial stages about all aspects of the protective body armour project, including in relation to the product selection. Monthly engagement takes place with both unions to enable ongoing consultation. HMPPS engages in quarterly discussions with recognised trade unions. These meetings form part of HMPPS’s formal engagement and allow unions to raise concerns on safety matters.