Robert Jenrick - Officers fear being labelled racist if they step in. (2025)

Robert Jenrick has called for a full independent investigation (Image: PA)

This is an extremely concerning incident and my thoughts are with the officers affected, one of which is in a very serious condition. It is ridiculous that one of the most dangerous prisoners in the country - with a history of attacking officers - was allowed access to materials which could be used to attack prison officers.

Prison governors need to stop appeasing these offenders. The safety of prison officers is infinitely more important than the supposed ‘welfare’ of wicked terrorists. We need a full independent investigation into the catastrophic security failure at HMP Frankland. We need to know the truth and the Ministry of Justice needs to get a grip.

Hashem Abedi attacked 3 prison guards on Saturday night (Image: PA)

It comes following serious concerns about the prison leadership’s ability to contain the threat from Islamist extremist inmates. Self-styled ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ leaders control wings in many high-security prisons.

Instead of isolating them, the system is protecting them - not officers or the public.

Islamist gangs run shadow sharia courts, dictate diets and enforce their rules with threats and flogging. Officers fear being labelled racist if they step in. This is appeasement, not punishment.

This appalling incident must be a turning point. The Government must strip back judicial interference in operational decisions regarding extremist inmates and expand separation centres. We must reclaim control of our prisons.