Violence and drug use at Milton Keynes prison 'deep concern', report finds

A prison in Milton Keynes has been placed into special measures after inspectors found high levels of violence, widespread drug use and serious staffing problems.

A new report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons described HMP Woodhill as a "cause for deep concern" following an inspection in March.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said fundamental issues at the Category B jail remained unresolved, with assaults on staff increasing since the last inspection in 2023 and many inmates reporting they felt unsafe.

Inspectors found drugs were "rife", with 41% of prisoners testing positive in random drug tests. Three drug-related deaths have also been recorded in the past two years.

The report highlighted poor relationships between staff and prisoners, frequent cancellations of education and work sessions, and delays to urgent hospital treatment caused by staff shortages.

More than a third of inmates were locked in their cells during the working day, while some high-risk prisoners were being released without proper resettlement plans in place.

Mick Pimblett, Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association, said violent attacks on staff at Woodhill were the worst across the long-term high-security prison estate.

Following the inspection, the government launched an action plan to address the prison's failings. Mr Taylor said a new governor had begun tackling the most pressing issues, but warned that "substantial and sustained improvement" was still needed.