Skip to main content
Advertise with the Morning Star
Manchester prison on crackdown following damning inspection
Drugs and drug-taking equipment

MANCHESTER prison faces a crackdown after a damning inspection revealed “catastrophic levels” of drugs, organised crime, high rates of violence and a rat infestation.

The prison, previously known as Strangeways, was found by HM Inspectorate of Prisons to be in desperate need of improvement.

Following an urgent notification issued at the beginning of October, the prison service published an action plan today, with proposals including the installation of a new CCTV system and netting to prevent drones dropping contraband into the jail.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Rail unions pressure Labour to turn pledges on public ownership into action. Photo: Neil Terry Photography
Labour Conference 2025 / 28 September 2025
28 September 2025
A ship that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla prepares to depart to Gaza to deliver aid amid Israel's blockade on the Palestinian territory, in the Tunisian port of Bizerte, September 13, 2025
Britain / 25 September 2025
25 September 2025
A displaced Palestinian youth sits on the curb after fleeing northern Gaza Strip, carrying his belongings along the coastal road near Wadi Gaza, September 22, 2025
Gaza / 23 September 2025
23 September 2025
Similar stories
A general view of a prison
Britain / 7 February 2025
7 February 2025
A general view of HMP Pentonville, north London
Britain / 21 January 2025
21 January 2025
A dog handler patrols the perimeter fence of HMP Manchester
Britain / 10 October 2024
10 October 2024