PRT comment: HMP Leeds

Commenting on the findings of conditions at HMP Leeds by HM Inspectorate of Prisons today (21 October) Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“Today’s report on HMP Leeds lays bare the human cost when prisons cannot meet the needs of their most vulnerable prisoners.

“Inspectors acknowledge that the prison leadership had shown commitment and vision in addressing concerns. However, the scale of the challenge faced by the prison meant that its impact was limited.

“The report highlights familiar patterns in prisons struggling to provide safe, respectful, and purposeful conditions: overcrowding, minimal meaningful activity, high levels of drug use, and limited support for constructive staff-prisoner relationships — all made worse by a highly transient population.

“Delays in transferring severely unwell prisoners to secure mental health facilities remain a persistent and serious concern. Resolving the critical shortage of places will require coordinated action from the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health.”