Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, commenting on the pay deal for prisons officers in London and the South East, said:

“It is no surprise this announcement comes the same week as figures showing prison officers are still leaving faster than they can be recruited.

“It is policy making on the hoof and shows the Tories have no plan.

“Prison officers in the rest of the country will wonder why they don’t deserve the same increase. Prison understaffing is a national issue that needs a national response.”