Lord Falconer, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the publication of the Chief Inspector of Prisons’ report on court custody, said:

“This damning report shows yet again that the Tories’ empty rhetoric doesn't reflect the reality on the ground.

"It reveals a culture of acceptance of appalling conditions and a failure by agencies to take proper responsibility for the safety of staff.  

"The lack of awareness or leadership from the Government is unacceptable. Ministers must urgently take responsibility and address this situation, starting with accepting Nick Hardwick’s recommendation and publishing a strategy for improving detainee treatment and custody conditions.”