Recommendation MAI-59: Codify prisoner communication restrictions scheme
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 3: Radicalisation and Preventability, published 2 March 2023.
Recommendation
I recommend that the scheme be codified, and clear policy and guidance be published so that it can be applied consistently across the prison estate.
In brief (written by this site)
The Cabinet Office stated in February 2026 that the recommendation was complete, noting that the Authorised Communications Controls and Interception Policy Framework was published in September 2022 to provide rules and guidance across prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). In the same February 2026 update, it added that HM Prison and Probation Service had established a National Counter Terrorism Communications Centre to monitor authorised phone communications and conduct vetting checks for high-risk prisoners (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify from published sources alone. The record reflects policy commitments rather than measured outcomes.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Cabinet Office says completed (27 February 2026)
The Authorised Communications Controls and Interception Policy Framework was published in September 2022. This provides rules and guidance for prison staff to manage prisoner communications across prisons and Young Offenders Institutions. HMPPS has set up a new National Counter Terrorism Communications Centre, which dramatically increases our capacity and capability to monitor the authorised phone communications of our highest risk CT nominals in prisons. In collaboration with partners, the Centre will also conduct more vigorous vetting checks of those visiting or communicating with our highest risk prisoners. This is now implemented.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
The Authorised Communications Controls and Interception Policy Framework was published in September 2022. This provides rules and guidance for prison staff to manage prisoner communications across prisons and Young Offenders Institutions. HMPPS has set up a new National Counter Terrorism Communications Centre, which dramatically increases our capacity and capability to monitor the authorised phone communications of our highest risk CT nominals in prisons. In collaboration with partners, the Centre will also conduct more vigorous vetting checks of those visiting or communicating with our highest risk prisoners.
From: Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, original version (data file)
Source
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement