Inquiry into prison racism claim

A report found high levels of racism at Parc Prison

The Commission for Racial Equality is to announce an inquiry into racism in Parc Prison near Bridgend as part of an investigation into the issue in the whole prison service.

Two other jails will also be investigated. The CRE said the need for an investigation had been triggered by a number of recent incidents.

They include a damning report into racism at Brixton and the murder of Zahid Mubarek by his racist cellmate at Feltham Young Offender Institute.

The investigation is expected to focus on three jails: Feltham, Brixton and Parc in Bridgend.

Improvements praised

Last autumn, the first official inspection of Parc since it opened in 1997 found disturbing levels of racism among inmates there.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, said the racism was directed against both ethnic minorities and English people.

He has praised improvements made at Parc since his inspection, saying many of the difficulties arose from inexperience.

The Howard League for Penal Reform has called for action as well as an investigation into racism.

Director Frances Crook said: "The Howard League welcomes the forceful words of the director general recently condemning racism, but swift and firm disciplinary action must be taken.

"Words are not enough when staff know they can get away with it.

'Challenge to change'

"Further investigations will be a useful contribution to the public discourse about the purpose of imprisonment, but prison managers know what to do and the challenge is for the Prison Service is to deliver that change now," he added.

A statement issued by Parc Prison said: "Our race relations strategy has been commended by Judy Clements, Race Equality Advisor for the Prison Service, who described our work in this area as a 'beacon of excellence' earlier this year.

"We are committed to maintaining positive race relations among both prisoner and staff at HMP Parc; and we welcome the opportunity to co-operate with the Commission for Racial Equality so that we can continue to improve race relations within the prison.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further until the Commission's report is complete."