§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
In terms of the handling of prisoners in Northern Ireland, what is the difference between separation and segregation. [HL5472]
§ Baroness AmosThe term "separation" is used to describe a regime in which prisoners connected to330WA loyalist and republican paramilitary groups are kept apart for safety reasons but the staff remain firmly in control.
The segregated regime that existed in the Maze Prison was heavily criticised for the lack of control that prison staff were able to exert.
It is the Government's clear objective that by developing "separated" conditions for certain prisoners, the prison service staff retain authority over the conduct of prisoners and the regime in which they live.