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HMP/YOI Downview

Asked by Rebecca PaulConservativeMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 2 July 2025UIN 62457

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what (a) facilities and (b) services the biological males held in HMP Downview share with women prisoners simultaneously.

Answered by Sir Nicholas Dakin

The general female estate comprises the establishments in which female prisoners are accommodated. E Wing at HMP/YOI Downview is a special unit: it is not part of the general women's estate. Prisoners on E Wing are located separately from all other prisoners at HMP/YOI Downview. They may receive supervised access to activities in the main prison’s regime, such as visits, education, work and faith services. Such access is provided only where a local risk assessment has determined this to be appropriate.

As of 1 July, seven prisoners were being held on E Wing.

We are reviewing all relevant policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling and will set out any changes to our approach in due course.

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