18/07/2025
UUP Raises Concerns Over HMP Maghaberry
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have raised concerns around the prison and staff ratio in HMP Maghaberry.
Members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service previously highlighted low staff levels in comparison to the number of prisoners, around 1,400, in the facility.
UUP Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA said: "This has created issues around increased lockdowns, more prisoners doubling up, reduced gym time and educational activities and is raising tensions.
"I would also be concerned that rehabilitation activities are being affected. All of this is raising tensions and increasing complaints from both prisoners and staff."
Mr Beattie also called for elected representatives to be kept informed about the situation by the Department of Justice and the Justice Minister.
"This is particularly important regarding our prisons; if HMP Maghaberry is running hot and close to maximum capacity, then the Minister needs to outline the plan if this is not eased over the summer months," he said.
Members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service previously highlighted low staff levels in comparison to the number of prisoners, around 1,400, in the facility.
UUP Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA said: "This has created issues around increased lockdowns, more prisoners doubling up, reduced gym time and educational activities and is raising tensions.
Mr Beattie also called for elected representatives to be kept informed about the situation by the Department of Justice and the Justice Minister.
"This is particularly important regarding our prisons; if HMP Maghaberry is running hot and close to maximum capacity, then the Minister needs to outline the plan if this is not eased over the summer months," he said.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.