29 August 2007
The strike action by the Prison Officers' Association is deeply regrettable and wholly unjustifiable. We have been actively trying to engage with the POA through talks and regular meetings and yet this action came without warning. Ministers have met with the POA on a regular basis in recent weeks and were due to meet next month. Indeed at my request yesterday my office asked for a meeting with senior officers of the POA.
Our first concern in this situation is to protect the public. We have in place tried and tested contingency measures to ensure the security of all prisons across England and Wales is maintained. We will also ensure that prisoners receive meals and emergency medical attention.
We are urgently considering what other action to take in respect of this unannounced and unlawful action by the POA. We will take all available steps to ensure that this strike does not impact adversely on our primary duty to protect the public.