David Lammy MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, responding to a report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons which showed certain prisoners with covid-19 symptoms were kept in cells for up to two weeks without being allowed to shower, said:

“Prisons are facing unprecedented challenges during the covid-19 pandemic. Overall this report praises staff at Wandsworth, Elmley and Altcourse prisons for their ability to adapt quickly to the crisis.

“However, the news that some prisoners were locked in cells for two weeks straight without even being allowed to shower is incredibly concerning.

“These conditions are not sustainable or acceptable for the many months it is expected to take to get a covid-19 vaccine. The Ministry of Justice must set out a road map for easing the severe temporary restrictions that were brought in which runs parallel to plans for the broader population, including testing, tracing and PPE.”