On 14 January 2026, the Ministry of Justice set out an action plan to stabilise HMP Swaleside in Eastchurch, Kent, meeting the 28‑day requirement that follows an Urgent Notification. The plan responds to December’s inspection findings and focuses on immediate safety and order. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-action-to-improve-hmp-swaleside?utm_source=openai))
Core measures include deploying specialist search teams and dog handlers to disrupt drugs and weapons, enhanced safety training for frontline staff, and anti‑drone upgrades-new windows and netting-to curtail airborne drops, according to the Ministry of Justice announcement. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-action-to-improve-hmp-swaleside?utm_source=openai))
The Prison Service will also introduce a cleanliness strategy and complete maintenance and refurbishment over the coming months. The department says it will increase the pace of disciplinary hearings to re‑establish order, while wider estate steps continue, including protective body armour for officers and a £40 million security package. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-action-to-improve-hmp-swaleside?utm_source=openai))
HM Inspectorate of Prisons invoked the Urgent Notification after rating outcomes at Swaleside as poor across safety, respect, purposeful activity and preparation for release. Inspectors identified widespread drug use with frequent drone deliveries, high levels of fear and violence, persistent self‑harm and cell fires, and a severely restricted regime. ([hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk](https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/dangerous-levels-of-violence-creating-fear-and-despair-at-high-risk-prison/?utm_source=openai))
The inspection took place between 1 and 11 December 2025. The Chief Inspector wrote to the Secretary of State on 15 December and published the notification on 17 December, starting the 28‑day window for a public response, which falls on 14 January 2026. ([hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk](https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/dangerous-levels-of-violence-creating-fear-and-despair-at-high-risk-prison/?utm_source=openai))
Lord Timpson, the Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, said the findings were unacceptable and confirmed he visited Swaleside last week to review progress and support staff implementing the plan. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-action-to-improve-hmp-swaleside?utm_source=openai))
Operationally, the package means more intensive searches, a higher dog‑handler presence and targeted training focused on safety and control. Security upgrades to windows and perimeter netting may prompt short‑term regime adjustments while works are completed, with the aim of reducing contraband flows and related violence. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immediate-action-to-improve-hmp-swaleside?utm_source=openai))
For families and professionals, visiting and access arrangements can vary during works. Official guidance for Swaleside advises that visiting times may change at short notice and directs people to contact the booking line before travel. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/swaleside-prison?utm_source=openai))
The inspectorate’s debrief highlighted drones as a regular route for contraband, including knives, which underpins the focus on physical barriers at perimeters and windows set out in the government’s plan. ([hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk](https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_reports/hmp-swaleside-urgent-notification/?utm_source=openai))
Next steps include the publication of HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ full inspection report within 14 weeks of the visit, followed by an Independent Review of Progress typically eight to twelve months later to assess whether outcomes are improving. ([hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk](https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/dangerous-levels-of-violence-creating-fear-and-despair-at-high-risk-prison/?utm_source=openai))