Prison staff reluctant to tackle Islamic extremists, reveals report

 Pixabay / Jody Lehigh

A report that reveals prison staff are relucant to tackle Islamic extremists has been delayed.

The report claims the prison staff hold back because they fear being labelled racist.

The report also says the most dangerous, subversive and extreme Islamists could be kept in designated units apart from other prisoners as one way of preventing them recruiting other prisoners to their cause.

There are more than 12,000 Muslims in English and Welsh jails. About 130 are in prison on terrorism offences.

The report, by Ian Acheson, formerly of the Home Office, was commissioned by the justice secretary Michael Gove.

According to The Sunday Times, there are fears the report is being delayed in order to tone down criticism of the National Offender Management Service. "The findings are very uncomfortable for the government, because they will leave Noms bruised and embarrassed," an unnamed official told the newspaper.

Members of the review team visited jails in Holland, Spain and France. 

News
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales

Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday for the annual Royal Maundy service, held in Wales for only the second time in the service's 800-year history.

Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service
Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service

Over 150 years since a north Wales church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, the sound long intended for its tower is finally set to be heard at an Easter service.

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre
'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' is beautifully written, with an unusually nuanced approach to political matters.

MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift
MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift

Alastair Campbell famously declared "We don't do God."