The government has unveiled plans to tighten control over the most dangerous extremist prisoners in the UK, introducing tougher “supermax” style restrictions to protect prison staff and reduce the risk of violence.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy announced a major overhaul of the country’s separation centres, which were first established in 2017 to isolate extremist offenders from the wider prison population and prevent radicalisation.
Overhauling Separation Centres to Improve Safety
The reforms come after the independent review by Jonathan Hall KC, launched following a horrific attack on staff at HMP Frankland last year.
The government has accepted all of Mr Hall’s recommendations and is going further in some areas to ensure frontline staff are safer and operational procedures are strengthened.
Key measures include:
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Creating a tiered separation centre system, with the most violent and disruptive extremists facing stricter, supermax-style conditions.
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Conducting an expert-led review of staff training to ensure personnel are prepared for the uniquely dangerous environment of these units.
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Strengthening internal decision-making processes and exploring legislative safeguards to protect staff from legal challenges under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
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Improving intelligence collection and use, reducing bureaucracy so operational decisions are informed by relevant, timely data.
Government Investment in Staff Protection
The reforms build on existing efforts to keep staff safe.
The government has already invested £15 million in high-risk equipment, including 10,000 stab-proof vests and Tasers for 500 officers.
Lammy highlighted the importance of this support, telling MPs in the House of Commons:
“The horrific attack at HMP Frankland was a stark reminder of the dangers our prison staff face every day. Taken together, these reforms will strengthen security, protect our brave prison staff, and reinforce the resilience of our counter-terrorism infrastructure.”
Tiered Approach Inspired by US “Supermax” Prisons
Under the new system, extremists will be placed into tiers based on their risk level.
The highest tier will mirror restrictions seen in US supermax prisons, limiting movement and contact, while lower tiers will allow for more controlled interaction depending on behaviour and threat assessment.
Movement between tiers will only occur following rigorous risk assessments.
This approach aims to manage prisoners according to the threat they pose, rather than applying a “one size fits all” solution.
Details on the new structure will be released in the coming months.
Protecting Staff from Litigation
Another significant aspect of the reforms is legal protection.
Staff decisions in separation centres can currently be challenged on human rights grounds, particularly under Article 8, which deals with privacy.
The government is reviewing whether new legislation is needed to limit the impact of such legal challenges, ensuring officers can focus on operational safety rather than potential lawsuits.
Additionally, a dedicated expert team will be established to oversee prisoner referrals and ensure decisions are legally sound and evidence-based.
A Stronger Response to an Evolving Threat
Separation centres were created to prevent extremist offenders from radicalising others.
Today’s reforms strengthen that mission by combining tougher restrictions, better intelligence use, and legal safeguards for staff.
Deputy Prime Minister Lammy concluded:
“This government will always stand behind those who stand between the public and danger.
We will not shy away from reform, and we will never lose sight of our first duty: to keep the British public safe.”
The overhaul marks the government’s most comprehensive step yet in addressing the unique risks posed by radicalised individuals in custody, reinforcing safety for both staff and the public.
