A new inspection review of HMP Belmarsh, one of the UK’s highest-security prisons, has found “commendable progress” in several areas, including cleanliness and care for prisoners in crisis. However, serious concerns remain over the lack of purposeful activity and limited time prisoners spend out of their cells.
Overview of HMP Belmarsh
Located in Thamesmead, southeast London, HMP Belmarsh houses around 700 inmates, including some of the most dangerous criminals in Britain. High-profile prisoners include:
- Axel Rudakubana – convicted of a triple murder with a crossbow in Southport
- Ali Harbi Ali – killer of MP David Amess
- Daniel Khalife – former soldier convicted of spying for Iran
- Jordan McSweeney – murderer of Zara Aleena
Progress Made Since 2024 Inspection
The latest review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) found that reasonable progress had been made since a full inspection in 2024, which raised several concerns.
Key improvements highlighted:
- Cleanliness: Standards across the prison had improved following earlier concerns about unsanitary conditions, including graffiti in first-night cells.
- Crisis Care: The prison was praised for “impressive work” in improving care for prisoners experiencing mental health crises.
- Leadership: HMP Belmarsh was once again described as a “well-led prison”, with leaders showing clear commitment to long-term improvements.
Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor said:
“Belmarsh remained a well-led prison. Leaders at all levels were committed to improving outcomes for prisoners… in the context of managing a complex and high-risk establishment.”
Ongoing Concerns: Lack of Purposeful Activity
Despite progress, the review flagged ongoing shortcomings in prisoner engagement. In 2024, only 28% of inmates were involved in purposeful activities like education or employment.
Some prisoners reportedly had as little as 90 minutes of out-of-cell time each day — significantly below recommended standards.
Mr Taylor noted:
“Leaders had made some progress in purposeful activity, addressing allocations and teaching quality, but further improvements were still needed.”
Recent Headlines and Incidents
The prison has faced several high-profile controversies in recent months:
- March 2025: A workshop officer was jailed for having a relationship with convicted murderer Jordan McSweeney.
- May 2025: Police opened an investigation into Axel Rudakubana, who allegedly attacked a prison officer within the facility.
Conclusion and Next Steps
While inspectors acknowledged the complex challenges of managing a high-security facility like Belmarsh, they stressed that more work is needed to ensure prisoners have access to rehabilitative activities.
The findings form part of HMIP’s ongoing monitoring under the Prison Performance Framework, with a renewed focus on ensuring better educational, vocational, and familial support for inmates.
