Richard Burgon MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to reports that only five per cent of prison staff will receive a new pay allowance, said: 

“It appears the Justice Secretary is more concerned with grabbing headlines than sorting out the crisis in prisons her government created.

 “It’s no wonder ministers refused to answer questions from Labour about exactly how many officers at each prison would benefit and by how much. They should do so now.

 “The Conservatives are playing politics with prison officers’ livelihoods. They deserve a decent wage and a fair deal. The Justice Secretary must apologise immediately.”