Government takes control of Birmingham Prisonpublished at 07:09 British Summer Time 20 August 2018
Birmingham Prison is being temporarily taken over by the government from the private firm G4S, after inspectors said it had fallen into a "state of crisis".
A new governor and extra staff are being brought in and the capacity of HMP Birmingham will be cut by 300.
It will not be returned to G4S for at least six months - until ministers feel "sufficient progress" has been made.
It's only the third prison in England to be deemed so poor to need this drastic action.
Quote MessageThe wellbeing and safety of prisoners and prison staff is our key priority and we welcome the six-month step-in and the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Justice to urgently address the issues faced at the prison.
Jerry Petherick, Managing director of G4S Custody & Detention Services
