Men’s prison slammed for failing to provide make-up for transgender inmates

A MEN’S prison has been rapped for failing to provide make-up for transgender inmates.

Inspectors said the jail gave “inadequate support to minority groups”, particularly trans lags.

The findings came during an unannounced visit in the autumn to HMP Northumberland in Morpeth.

A report by the HM Inspectorate for Prisons says: “Prisoners identifying as non-binary, gender fluid or transgender were consulted, but not regularly.

“Prisoners told us they had yet to see any changes as a result of consultation.

“During the inspection, it was difficult for prisoners to obtain make-up and women’s clothing.”

LGBTQ+ prisoners said they also wanted more opportunities to meet up inside the jail, which has 1,348 inmates.

Inspectors slammed bosses on diversity.

They found: “Leaders had not sufficiently prioritised equality and diversity and did not pay sufficient attention to the experiences of prisoners with protected and minority characteristics.

“Overall, support for prisoners from protected or minority groups was inadequate.”

One inmate moaned: “In this prison, they cater to the majority and neglect the minorities.”

A spokesman for HMP Northumberland said: “We fully acknowledge some areas require improvement, particularly around activity, rehabilitation and diversity.

“We have been working since the inspection to develop and implement an action plan.”