A recent trend at HMP Manchester has been declared a “threat to national security” after it was learned that drones have been regularly delivering drugs, weapons and more into the facility formerly known as Strangewaysalong with other UK prisons.
It’s said there were roughly 220 drone sightings over the past year or so – more than any other prison in the country – and issues around contraband, violence, hygiene and more have been on the increase ever since. HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire was found to be similarly neglected.
A rife drug and rat problem was found following a surprise autumn inspection between September and October; it is now evident that the chronic issues have been exacerbated by a major security breach as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, says police have “ceded airspace” over facilities.
The most recent report on conditions at HMP Manchester and Long Lartin was published on Tuesday, 14 January and, in short, it insists that huge investment is needed in order to curb the crisis.
Credit: HM Inspectorate of Prisons
Drones, corruption and a lack of investment have seen Strangeways maintain its reputation
A top-line assessment of Strangeways found that many of the sticking points came down not only to the advent of drones delivering items such as phones, drugs, weapons and other “large payloads” weighing up to as much as 7kg, but merely “poor physical security” and concerns regarding corruption.
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Most notably, high-risk prisoners who Taylor described as “extremely dangerous” have been burning holes in cell windows in order to pick up drone deliveries. The ease with which these exchanges are able to take place comes down to what he simply calls “slow action”.
There has been a damning failure to spot, repair and/or replace these panels, as well as the torn netting over exercise yards, meaning that drone operators have an easier task when dropping their packages into the 158-year-old penitentiary.
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According to the report, “a staggering 39% of prisoners had tested positive in mandatory drug tests at Manchester” (50% at Long Lartin) and a simple survey found that drugs and alcohol were “easy” to acquire inside Strangeways.
In addition to the rodent infestation, general hygiene looks to have plummeted to new lows in recent times too, with “widespread dirt, damp and litter” as well as vandalism in several areas. Inmates have also been tearing up mattresses to insulate windows from the cold.
Numbers relating to assault, self-harm, suicide and more have also risen since the last major inspection in 2021. By all accounts, it remains one of Britain’s most dangerous prisons for a whole host of reasons.
There has also been a significant drop-off when it comes to socialisation and rehabilitation efforts, as the work day, learning and general activities look to have dwindled too.
Taylor signed off by writing: “The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.
“The prison service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life.” To put it simply, he says the situation is “highly alarming.”
It may not make for pleasant reading, but if you want a clearer picture of the current conditions inside Strangeways prison or to learn more about the growing advent of smuggling drones, you can read the extensive 67-page report in full HERE.
Broken cell windowDamage and dirtThe state of a kitchenette (Credit: HMIP)
Featured Images — Robert Wade (via Flickr)/HMIP (HM Inspectorate of Prisons)
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Mental health charity Mind respond to government’s ‘overdiagnosed’ comments and benefit cuts
Danny Jones
UK charity Mind has issued an extensive statement reflecting on the government’s impending benefit cuts and, more specifically, their comments that mental health conditions are being ‘overdiagnosed’.
Mind, the largest mental health charity in the country which raises tens of millions for related illnesses every year, has been left understandably troubled by the recent news that the Labour Party intends to scale back the level of welfare support that millions of Brits receive on a regular basis.
Most notably, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced in the House of Commons that the number of people claiming personal independence payment (PIP) is “not sustainable” and, therefore, eligibility will be made more stringent.
Responding in a number of posts this week, Mind has reiterated their belief that “our mental health is getting worse” and that “cutting benefits is short-sighted”, arguing instead that the “UK government needs to shift focus and tackle the real barriers to employment.” You can see two lengthy replies below:
As you can see, not only does Mind staunchly disagree with the government’s stance but they believe that in addition to the problematic wait times and ever-mounting pressure on services like the NHS, “rhetoric like this is dangerous” and fundamentally “stops people getting support” when they need it.
In a separate post on social media, the charity continued: “Behind the headlines and the stigmatising language about disability benefits are real people – millions of them. People who are scared about what this news might mean for their day-to-day lives.”
“If that’s you, know this: you are not alone. We see you. We hear you. These changes, if they do happen, won’t come in immediately. And we will not stop fighting until the benefits system is fair, compassionate, and works for those of us with mental health problems.”
And Mind has made a real impact on mental health services in recent decades, generating over £42.9 million between 2023 and 2024 alone, whilst providing frontline support to countless people in crisis online, over the phone and in person daily.
The organisation’s associate director of policy and campaigns, Minesh Patel, spoke to BBC Breakfast on Monday, 17 March about what they feel are more pressing issues and obstacles preventing people from getting into and staying in employment.
Even prior to the welfare crackdown – which is hoping to save the UK economy an estimated £5 billion – being announced, Mind responded to early reports of the cutbacks in kind.
“The government’s solution: blame us, and punish us by taking away our financial safety net”, they wrote. “Cutting benefits isn’t the way to support people with mental health problems into work – it will only push more people into poverty and shift costs elsewhere. It doesn’t solve the problem.
They summed up things by adding: “If the government wants real change, it has to improve employment support, tackle workplace stigma, and make sure people aren’t stuck on mental health waiting lists for years.”
It goes without saying that if you need mental health support, you can call Mind’s Manchester arm on 0161 769 5732 or get in touch with them online; alternatively, you can use the NHS’ mental health services such as Manchester Talking Therapies and the 111 number.
As for questions surrounding how these government changes to welfare benefits and mental health support might apply to you, Mind have also put together a helpful breakdown HERE.
Featured Images — Sky News (screenshot via YouTube)/Malcolmxl5 (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Manchester’s Cat Cafe issues lengthy response to anti-industry statement
Danny Jones
Manchester’s soon-to-return Cat Cafe has shared a lengthy statement responding to the recent suggestion made by leading animal charities that their particular line of business should become a thing of the past.
Cat Cafe Manchester (CCM) closed its city centre premises back in January 2021 like so many others suffering from the post-pandemic struggle, but there are still several other feline-focused coffee shops and similar set-ups located up and down the country.
With that in mind and after the Manchester location announced a comeback later this year – in a prime location on Deansgate, no less – the discussion surrounding the niche industry has turned to issues regarding animal rights, welfare and overall quality of life.
However, rather than simply firing back at the likes of the RSPCA and Cats Protection over their concerns and belief that these venues should be “phased out”, the company has come out to agree with their overarching point whilst still assuring that their sites “are different”.
As you can see in an extensive reply, the brand begins by writing: “We are in strong agreement that there needs to be more regulation in the industry, as we believe many cafes are operating in manners that are harmful to cats.”
They detail how they don’t support ventures that operate by simply piggybacking on vital animal rescue procedures, citing that around 90% of the UK’s cat cafes simply ship prospective pets in and out, creating a stressful environment for its furry residents.
In contrast, Cat Cafe MCR go on to insist that “cats in our cafes are pedigree, as they are best suited to an indoor-only environment [as opposed to rescues who often benefit from outdoor time], and they are bred for temperament, meaning our cats need a lot of attention from people, and also enjoy the company of other cats.
“Our cafes have windows for natural light and there is plenty of space off the cafe floor for cats to get away from customers. They are provided with enough resources spread out throughout a very large building to reduce any competitive behaviour. Our cats are never ever kept in cages – as is the case in some Cat Cafes.”
CCM also explained how the behaviour of their in-house cats is analysed weekly, adding that “if we feel any cat in our cafe is not happy and is showing signs of stress, we would immediately remove them from the environment.”
Besides the obvious soothing quality of the experience for regular customers, cafes like theirs and the canine equivalent CuppaPug in Salford are extremely helpful in providing animal-assisted therapy for people struggling with mental health conditions and those categorised as neurodiverse.
Cat Cafe drew their response to a close by inviting both of the charities in question to work with them in creating new guidelines and strict rules when it comes to animal welfare in these spaces.
They concluded by declaring that not only are they “incredibly difficult to run responsibly” when done properly but that “Cat Cafes are not all the same, and they should not be opened without serious thought and consideration for the cats’ welfare.”
We are still unclear as to when exactly Cat Cafe Manchester will reopen but all we know is that the team will be as dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience for both the animals and visitors when it does.
Danny Jones -
14th January 2025 
