August 29, 2007: Justice Secretary On Prison Strike

The following statement has been issued by Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw on the current prison officers' strike:

'The strike action by the Prison Officers' Association is deeply regrettable and wholly unjustifiable. We have been actively trying to engage with the POA through talks and regular meetings and yet this action came without warning. Ministers have met with the POA on a regular basis in recent weeks and were due to meet next month. Indeed at my request yesterday my office asked for a meeting with senior officers of the POA.'

'Our first concern in this situation is to protect the public. We have in place tried and tested contingency measures to ensure the security of all prisons across England and Wales is maintained. We will also ensure that prisoners receive meals and emergency medical attention.'

'We are urgently considering what other action to take in respect of this unannounced and unlawful action by the POA. We will take all available steps to ensure that this strike does not impact adversely on our primary duty to protect the public.'

The Ministry of Justice has applied for and been granted an injunction by the High Court against the POA. The injunction prevents the POA from inducing, authorising or supporting any form of industrial action which would disrupt the operation of the Prison Service in England and Wales.

The government has issued a statement saying that they expect prison officers to return to work with immediate effect. High Court judge Mr. Justice Ramsey stated that there was an 'overwhelming case' that a legally binding agreement had been broken and issued an injunction.