Anyone guilty of assaulting a prison officer must not be allowed early release under any circumstances, an MP has said.
Shipley MP Philip Davies wants government to send out a strong message that violence against staff will not be tolerated.
Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions, he said: “It is vitally important we retain, recruit, and protect our prison officers. Will the Prime Minister agree to stop any prisoner who assault a prison officer from being released early from jail.
“This simple measure will be very popular with prison officers; it would be very popular with the public and it might even find favour with the parties opposite.”
Mr Davies – a long standing campaigner for criminals to service their sentences in full – said no one should be granted early release, especially not people who assault prison staff.
In response Rishi Sunak said: “Prisoners who are violent towards people who are living and working in prisons should face the full consequences of their actions. I am pleased that the recent Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act actually increased the maximum penalty for up to two years in prison for those who assault emergency workers, and that includes prison officers, and the ministry of justice will continue to press for charges for more serious offences such as ABH where appropriate.”
Mr Davies said prison officers must feel safe at work and their safety a priority.