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Prison Officers: Political Impartiality

Asked by Saqib BhattiConservativeMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 14 October 2025UIN 77654

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will set out whether all grades of prison officers are required to be politically neutral.

Answered by Jake Richards

All employees are bound by the Civil Service Code and must serve the Government impartially. The HMPPS Outside Activities Policy requires all employees, including all grades of Prison Officer, to remain politically neutral at all times and they must seek permission to take part in political activities if needed. Employees must not carry out any political activity while on duty, in uniform or on official premises.

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