The End of Women’s Semi-open Prisons

On 2 March 2010 the recategorisation of HMP Morton Hall and HMP Drake Hall from semi-open to closed prisons took effect.  There are now no semi-open prisons in the entire women’s estate and just 228 spaces in open prisons for women.  In answer to a parliamentary question on this issue Maria Eagle MP (then Minister for Prisons) stated that the move “allowed NOMS to more effectively provide for the needs of all women prisoners through greater flexibility in the use of the estate.” However, it means that a greater number of women will be held at a security classification above that which is necessary and appropriate (in contravention of international prison rules) and it limits women’s possibility to progress through the prison system.  Mike Wood MP laid down an Early Day Motion raising concerns about the impact of this move, particularly in relation to family contact.

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