Raising the issue in Parliament, MacCleary cited the most recent published report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons, which found conditions at Lewes to be “notably worse” than other reception prisons. That inspection revealed that many prisoners were spending as much as 22 hours a day inside their cells, with only a third engaged in any form of education or employment.
While the watchdog acknowledged that the new prison governor had made some early improvements, the facility was still described as being "trapped in a cycle" of boredom, drugs and short staffing.
In response to MacCleary’s question, the Minister confirmed that inspectors had visited HMP Lewes again on 7 May and had noted further improvements under the new leadership – though this follow-up report has not yet been published.
James MacCleary MP said: “The situation at Lewes Prison is deeply concerning – for both staff and inmates. I welcome the fact that the new governor is already making progress, but this cannot be tackled alone. The Government must step up and deliver the resources and support needed to break this cycle for good.
“That’s why I raised this issue directly in Parliament – and I’m pleased the Minister has now agreed to provide me with a full briefing on the action being taken.
“I’ll be following up to ensure the Government delivers on its promises and that Lewes Prison receives the support it urgently needs.”
A Prison Service spokesperson told the Express last year: “As the report recognises, the new governor is already delivering significant improvements at HMP Lewes but we know there is much more to be done. We have recruited new staff specifically to combat drugs entering the prison, ramped up suspicious drug testing and are exploring options for increasing time out of cells so more offenders can get the education and training they need to turn their back on crime.”