Menu
17/10/2006
Blunkett 'gave order to machine-gun inmates'
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett told the Prison Service to call in the Army and 'machine-gun' prisoners during a riot at a prison in 2002, it has been claimed.
Writing in 'The Times', Martin Narey, who was the director-general of the service at the time, referred to the takeover of Lincoln jail by prisoners in 2002.
Mr Narey said that he told Mr Blunkett that he would not rush ordering staff back into the jail, if it put lives at risk.
Mr Narey then claimed that the former Home Secretary "shrieked at me that he didn't care about lives, told me to call in the Army and 'machine gun' the prisoners and - still shrieking - again ordered me to take the prison back immediately."
Mr Narey said that he refused and that Mr Blunkett hung up the phone.
Mr Narey's article followed the publication of Mr Blunkett's diaries, which record his eights years spent in the Cabinet.
In the diaries, Mr Blunkett accused Mr Narey of dithering over the riot.
A spokesperson for Mr Blunkett has denied the claims. They told 'The Times': "The diary records precisely what happened. He did order the retaking of the prison. He did not say anything about machine guns. Quite apart from anything else, they do not carry machine guns in the Prison Service."
(KMcA/EF)
Writing in 'The Times', Martin Narey, who was the director-general of the service at the time, referred to the takeover of Lincoln jail by prisoners in 2002.
Mr Narey said that he told Mr Blunkett that he would not rush ordering staff back into the jail, if it put lives at risk.
Mr Narey then claimed that the former Home Secretary "shrieked at me that he didn't care about lives, told me to call in the Army and 'machine gun' the prisoners and - still shrieking - again ordered me to take the prison back immediately."
Mr Narey said that he refused and that Mr Blunkett hung up the phone.
Mr Narey's article followed the publication of Mr Blunkett's diaries, which record his eights years spent in the Cabinet.
In the diaries, Mr Blunkett accused Mr Narey of dithering over the riot.
A spokesperson for Mr Blunkett has denied the claims. They told 'The Times': "The diary records precisely what happened. He did order the retaking of the prison. He did not say anything about machine guns. Quite apart from anything else, they do not carry machine guns in the Prison Service."
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 April 2003
Extra funding secures 1000 more prison places
As the prison population lurches to another record level, the Home Office has welcomed the £174 million budget provisions that will add another 1,000 new jail places.
Extra funding secures 1000 more prison places
As the prison population lurches to another record level, the Home Office has welcomed the £174 million budget provisions that will add another 1,000 new jail places.
14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
03 April 2006
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
17 August 2004
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
