Devon Prison Shuts Down 184 Cells After Detecting Radioactive Gas
In a shocking turn of events, a Devon prison has been forced to close over 180 cells and transfer numerous inmates due to the detection of radioactive gas. The odourless and colourless gas, known as radon, has been found at HMP Dartmoor, posing a serious risk of lung cancer to those exposed. Approximately 200 inmates have been relocated to other prisons as a precautionary measure.
Although the exact number of cells shut and prisoners moved has not been disclosed by the prison service, official data reveals that the facility’s capacity decreased by 184 places between November 2021 and February 2022. Moreover, during the same period, a staggering 194 prisoners were transferred out of the jail.
What is truly concerning is that the presence of this hazardous gas was first detected in 2020, yet measures to address the issue were not implemented until 2022, as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice. The Labour Party, who uncovered these figures through a series of inquiries, expressed their dismay at the government’s mismanagement of the prison estate. They emphasized the irony of reducing prison capacity during a time of crisis.
Radon is primarily produced by the decay of radioactive materials in rocks and soils, and it is responsible for approximately 1,000 lung cancer deaths each year. It tends to occur more frequently in areas with high concentrations of granite, such as Dartmoor.
In response to Labour’s questions, justice minister Edward Argar, speaking on behalf of the government, stated that the Prison Service is continuously investing in the prison estate to ensure the safety, decency, and security of all prisoners. However, the delay in addressing the radon issue raises concerns about the effectiveness of these investments.
It is imperative that ministers provide a thorough explanation as to why it took over two years to take action against this dangerous gas. With the prison system already spiraling out of control, it is high time for the government to take decisive measures and regain control over the situation. The lives and well-being of both inmates and staff are at stake, and urgent action is needed to rectify this dire situation.
Government questioned over delayed action on dangerous gas at Dartmoor Prison
The UK government is facing scrutiny over its delayed response to elevated radon readings at HMP Dartmoor. Shadow prisons minister Ruth Cadbury has demanded answers as to why it took two years for action to be taken against the dangerous gas. The issue was first detected in subterranean areas near the prison’s kitchen and workshops.
As a precautionary measure, a number of prisoners have been relocated after routine testing revealed higher than normal levels of radon. The Prison Service has assured that there are no safety concerns for staff or prisoners who remain on site. Work is currently underway to permanently reduce radon levels.
However, concerns have been raised about the overall condition of Dartmoor Prison. An independent monitoring board report from December highlighted issues of understaffing and overcrowding, suggesting that the prison may not be fit for purpose. The report also noted that radon was first detected in 2020, but actions to address the issue were only taken this year.
In another troubling incident, it has been reported that a young girl held in a young offender’s institution in West Yorkshire was subjected to abuse by a group of male correctional officers. The girl, described as “incredibly vulnerable,” was pinned down and stripped on two separate occasions. It was revealed that there was no female officer present during the incidents, despite the girl’s attempts to self-harm.
These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of prisoners in the UK’s correctional facilities. The government must address these issues promptly and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
