UK prison officers are demanding immediate access to electric stun guns and enhanced protective measures following a violent attack at HMP Frankland.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) is preparing to meet Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to press for action that would better safeguard staff working in Britain’s most dangerous prisons.
This renewed call comes after three officers were seriously assaulted in Frankland’s high-security separation unit. The alleged attacker, convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi, reportedly used boiling oil and a homemade blade, leaving two officers with severe injuries.
The POA is urging the government to supply all officers with stab-proof vests and equip specialist teams in high-risk prisons with Tasers.
The union is also advocating for the implementation of a US-style Supermax regime for the most dangerous inmates, restricting their movement and reducing potential threats to staff.
Electric stun guns, which deliver a 50,000-volt shock to incapacitate individuals, are already used by UK police.
The POA argues that Tasers should also be made available to specially trained response teams in high-security prisons, particularly where staff face the risk of life-threatening attacks.
Current defence tools such as batons and pava spray are seen as inadequate in enclosed environments where officers cannot retreat and must act quickly to neutralise threats.
The POA believes Tasers would provide an essential tactical option when responding to extreme violence.
The union is calling for initial deployment of Tasers in Category A prisons including Frankland, Belmarsh, Full Sutton, Long Lartin, and Whitemoor.
These institutions house inmates considered highly dangerous, many of whom are already isolated in separation units.
The proposed Supermax-style regime would see high-risk prisoners confined to their cells, allowed out only under escort and restraints, and denied access to group activities or unnecessary privileges. The POA views this as a necessary step to manage those with a history of violence or terrorist activity.
The Ministry of Justice has not issued a public statement ahead of the meeting.
However, the government has announced a formal review of prison safety measures and has already banned access to kitchen equipment and knives within separation units.
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attack and are examining how the makeshift weapon was produced, as well as searching for extremist literature within the facility.
Hashem Abedi, who is serving a 55-year sentence, had previously attacked staff while held at HMP Belmarsh.
HMP Frankland also houses high-profile inmates such as Anjem Choudary, who was convicted of multiple terrorism-related offences.
The POA believes that without swift and serious changes, the safety of prison staff will remain under constant threat.
The union considers its demands to be both reasonable and essential for protecting those who work on the front lines of Britain’s prison system.
