Union raises worries over temporary closure of Dartmoor Prison

The temporary closure of HMP Dartmoor has sparked significant worries among union representatives, who are concerned about the impact on both staff and inmates. 

Announced in July by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the closure is a response to the discovery of high levels of radon within the facility, which will necessitate the relocation of all 175 prisoners.

Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, which represents chaplains, psychologists, and non-technical managers in prisons, expressed her apprehension about the closure's effects. 

Ms Ferns stated: “This will be worrying for everyone at HMP Dartmoor. Prospect has been working with HMPPS to minimise the impact on our members but we remain concerned about the long-term impact the closure may have on some of those directly affected.”

The union highlighted that the closure exacerbates existing issues, such as overcrowding, which poses additional strain on the prison system. 

Ms Ferns noted: “Prisons are a uniquely challenging environment in which to work, made even harder by overcrowding which will only get worse with the closure of Dartmoor.”

In response to the situation, Shabana Mahmood, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, elaborated on the closure decision in a statement made on July 25. 

She said: “I would like to announce the decision to close HMP Dartmoor temporarily, as His Majesty’s Toggle showing location ofColumn 28WSPrison and Probation Service manage the levels of radon at HMP Dartmoor to ensure the safety of staff and prisoners.

Our prisons are in crisis. This is the most recent illustration of why this Government were forced to take urgent action to release pressure on the estate. We are committed to locking up the most dangerous offenders and protecting the public. Public safety will always be this Government’s priority.”

Radon, a colourless and odourless radioactive gas naturally present in rocks and soils, is known to be more prevalent in the south-west of England. 

Increased exposure to radon is linked to a higher risk of lung cancer. 

The MoJ has been collaborating with radon specialists for the past six months to manage radon levels at the prison. 

Following recent readings from July 12 indicating high levels in non-accommodation areas, an operational decision was made to move all prisoners out of HMP Dartmoor over a two-week period and close the prison temporarily for further mitigation and investigation.

Ms. Mahmood explained: “This was an operational decision as it had become unviable to continue with the mitigations to reduce radon while also running an effective prison regime. The Government will continue to work with staff at HMP Dartmoor and trade unions to manage the impact on staff, and prisoners are being transferred to other prisons of an appropriate security level.”

Despite assurances from the MoJ that there is sufficient capacity in other prisons to accommodate the displaced inmates, the union remains concerned about the broader implications. 

The Government is also addressing prison capacity pressures with measures like SDS40 in September, announced on July 12, which will adjust the automatic release point for standard determinate sentences from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.

Ms Mahmood concluded: “We will publish a 10-year capacity strategy later this year. We will build prison places, acquire land for new prison sites and classify prisons as being of national importance, placing decision making on planning for new prisons in Ministers’ hands. The Government are committed to longer-term reform of the system and reducing reoffending —making sure that punishment is effective and prisons make better citizens, not better criminals.”