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Prison Officers: Protective Clothing

Asked by Robert JenrickReform UKMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 21 July 2025UIN 67879

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many stab vests have been issued to prison officers since June 2025.

Answered by Sir Nicholas Dakin

Following the Lord Chancellor’s announcement on 3 June that we will be mandating Protective Body Armour (PBA – commonly referred to as "stab vests") for use in Separation Centres, Close Supervision Centres and Segregation Units in the Long-term High Secure Estate, we are working to ensure that PBA will be made and issued as quickly as possible.

Staff continue to have the ability to wear PBA (with other personal protective equiment) when necessary.

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