Seventeen deaths, drugs crisis and violence still unresolved at Bridgend jail

PLANS to expand HMP Parc must be put on hold immediately, MPs have warned, amid ongoing concerns about deaths, drugs, violence and the safety of inmates and staff.

A new report from the Welsh Affairs Committee says the proposed expansion of the Bridgend prison would be a dangerous distraction, risking progress made after a series of serious failings.

The intervention follows mounting scrutiny of the prison, where seventeen men died in 2024, prompting widespread concern over conditions inside the facility.

Serious concerns remain

Despite some signs of improvement, MPs say HMP Parc continues to face deep-rooted problems, including high levels of violence, self-harm and drug misuse.

Inspectors previously found prisoners were spending up to 21 hours a day locked in their cells, while mental health and substance misuse services were described as under-resourced.

Although recent inspections noted some progress—particularly in disrupting drug supply—MPs concluded that insufficient improvement has been made in key areas, including prisoner safety and rehabilitation.

Expansion plans under fire

The Ministry of Justice wants to add 345 extra inmates and around 160 staff to the prison as part of a wider UK strategy to increase capacity.

But the committee said HMP Parc is not currently suitable for expansion, warning it could undermine fragile improvements and place further strain on an already pressured system.

MPs acknowledged the need for more prison places but stressed that Parc should not be expanded until safety issues are fully addressed.

Drugs and overcrowding highlighted

The report raises ongoing concerns about the availability of drugs inside the prison, describing the problem as “alarming”.

Recent figures show around 40% of inmates are held in crowded conditions, while drug use remains widespread despite efforts to clamp down on supply.

Campaigners say too many vulnerable prisoners are being held in poor conditions, increasing the risk of violence, despair and self-harm.

Herald investigation focus

The findings echo concerns previously raised by this newspaper following a series of deaths at the prison.

The Herald has reported extensively on the growing crisis at Parc, including the impact of powerful synthetic drugs, the use of drones to smuggle contraband, and ongoing concerns about prisoner safety and welfare.

MPs’ conclusions now reinforce those concerns, warning that while progress has been made, serious risks remain inside the prison.

Calls for urgent rethink

The committee has now formally called on the UK Government to pause the expansion plans and reconsider whether they can be delivered safely.

Responding to the report, the Ministry of Justice said it was taking “decisive action” to address pressures in the prison system, including plans to create 14,000 additional prison places across England and Wales.

HMP Parc said recent inspection findings showed progress in tackling drug supply, which it said was helping to reduce violence and self-harm.

Background

HMP Parc is a category B prison in Bridgend, operated by G4S, and houses around 1,700 to 1,800 inmates.

It has been under intense scrutiny since 2024 following a series of deaths linked to drugs, suicide and natural causes, alongside ongoing concerns about safety and conditions.

Concerns grow over Withybush services as ministers insist decisions rest with health board

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has been accused of “ducking responsibility” and “hiding behind an unelected health board” amid growing concern over proposed NHS service changes in west Wales.

Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS have criticised ministers following a formal response to their joint letter raising alarm about plans linked to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Clinical Services Plan (CSP), which was approved at an extraordinary meeting in February.

The plan outlines significant changes to how services are delivered across the region, with implementation expected to begin in the next Senedd term and continue over several years.

In a reply dated March 26, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles confirmed that responsibility for planning and delivering NHS services lies with local health boards, adding that decisions on the CSP “rest with the health board.”

He also sought to reassure concerns about Withybush Hospital, stating that emergency department services were not included in the CSP decision.

However, the response has drawn sharp criticism from local politicians, who argue that the Welsh Government cannot distance itself from decisions affecting frontline care.

Paul Davies said: “This response is deeply disappointing but sadly not surprising. The Welsh Government is once again trying to pass the buck and avoid accountability by hiding behind an unelected health board.

“Let’s be absolutely clear – health boards are not independent actors. They are created, funded and directed by the Welsh Government. Ministers cannot wash their hands of decisions that will have such a profound impact on communities across west Wales.”

Samuel Kurtz echoed those concerns, warning that public confidence is being eroded.

“People in Pembrokeshire are rightly concerned about what these changes mean for local services, particularly at Withybush Hospital,” he said.

“Attempting to suggest that key services like the emergency department sit outside of these plans will do little to reassure the public, when we have seen services hollowed out and destabilised over the last decade.

“The Welsh Government must stop hiding behind process and start taking responsibility for the future of healthcare in our communities.”

The Herald understands that concerns remain widespread among residents and campaigners, particularly over the long-term future of hospital services in Pembrokeshire, with fears that centralisation could lead to longer travel times for urgent care.

Hywel Dda University Health Board has previously said the changes are designed to improve safety, sustainability and outcomes for patients, but the proposals continue to generate strong local opposition.

MILFORD HAVEN ROUND TABLE welcomed representatives from the Paul Sartori Foundation for an evening of discussion, awareness and community support earlier this month.

The event, held at the Lord Nelson Hotel on Wednesday (Mar 11), brought together 19 Round Table members alongside Rosie-Faye Hart, Community Relationship Officer, and Mandy Jones, Future Care Planning Officer.

Members heard an informative and engaging presentation from the charity team, focusing on the importance of planning ahead and supporting those with life-limiting illness.

Mandy Jones spoke about future care planning, encouraging early conversations and explaining key aspects such as Power of Attorney and setting out personal care wishes. She helped simplify what can often be seen as a complex and difficult subject.

Rosie-Faye Hart highlighted the vital role community fundraising plays in sustaining the charity’s work across Pembrokeshire, thanking groups such as the Round Table for their continued support.

The presentation was warmly received, with members showing strong interest in the Foundation’s work. At the end of the evening, Milford Haven Round Table made a donation of £250 to support the charity’s ongoing services.

The meeting has already led to further opportunities. Following the talk, Mandy Jones was invited by Adrian Cook, Engagement Officer at South Hook LNG, to deliver a session for staff as part of an upcoming wellbeing event.

The evening demonstrated how local organisations can work together to raise awareness, encourage important conversations, and support vital services within the community.

Groups interested in arranging a talk or supporting the charity can contact Rosie-Faye Hart on 07854 684171 or via email at [email protected]
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