EditorPRISON PLAN WARNING: HMP Parc expansion ‘risks lives’ after 17 deaths in one year, warn MPs
The Welsh Affairs Committee is demanding a halt to the controversial expansion, which would see an extra 345 prisoners crammed into the already troubled jail. They fear the rush to create more prison places could derail fragile improvements being made at the facility.
This bombshell report comes after two years of intense scrutiny into HMP Parc, following a tragic year in 2024 when 17 men lost their lives – the highest number in any prison across England and Wales. Issues of violence, suicide, and rampant drug misuse have plagued the category B/C prison.
Inspectors from HM Inspectorate of Prisons painted a grim picture in January 2025, finding the prison’s performance “not sufficiently good” or “poor” in every area, including safety and respect.
They highlighted high levels of violence, widespread illicit drug use (including deadly nitazenes), and a shocking rate of self-harm. Mental health and substance misuse services were found to be under-resourced, and staffing levels inadequate.
While some progress has been noted, particularly in tackling drug smuggling via drones and improved leadership, a follow-up inspection in January 2026 revealed “insufficient progress” against more than half of the original concerns. This included ongoing issues with violent incidents, self-harm, and access to vital healthcare and education.
Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, did not mince words:
“Every preventable death is a tragedy and it is therefore vital that improving the safety and wellbeing of men serving sentences at the prison is at the forefront of any decisions made both by management and the government.”
She added that expanding the prison now would be an “unwanted distraction that could put progress at risk and, crucially, the safety of prisoners and staff.”
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, had previously stated in May 2025 that he was “very concerned” about the safety of men at HMP Parc.
Even with recent improvements, he warned that without enough staff and a proper daily routine, “the prison will continue to struggle to achieve the necessary improvements in outcomes for prisoners.”
The UK Government’s 10-year Prison Capacity Strategy aims to create an extra 14,000 prison places, with 345 of those earmarked for HMP Parc. Bridgend County Borough Council formally approved the expansion plans in November 2025, which also include an increase of around 160 staff.
However, the committee’s report concludes that given the scale of the failings exposed in 2024, the government must reconsider whether the expansion can be achieved without putting lives at risk.
“Prisoners deserve safe environments that are conducive to rehabilitation, not violent settings that pose a risk to their physical and mental health.”
This latest warning casts a dark shadow over the future of HMP Parc, raising serious questions about the rush to expand capacity at the expense of inmate and staff safety. The committee’s recommendation to pause the expansion is a stark reminder that some improvements cannot be rushed.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Plans revealed for expansion of Bridgend’s Parc Prison
Initial details on the controversial 345-inmate expansion that MPs now want to see paused.
Bridgend Council to take on care services at HMP Parc Prison
Local authority steps in to manage social care as safety concerns at the jail continue to mount.
Owen Donovan
