Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to news that the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons has issued an urgent notification at G4S run HMP Birmingham following an inspection of the prison, said:

“Despite repeated damning inspection reports, the Conservatives have failed to get a grip on the prisons crisis which has now become an emergency.

“Failure to address this prisons emergency risks leaving the public less safe. The Government must urgently set out a clear plan and new funds to make our prisons safe and humane for prison staff and prisoners alike.”