Belmarsh Prison: - the prisoners' report

Conclusion

The SSU regime in Belmarsh and other SSUs (Whitemoor and Full Sutton) have the potential for very serious deterioration in domestic/familial bonds, e.g. father/child bonding and psychological health difficulties of prisoners' families, children and prisoners themselves.

It is also damaging to our health. The total lack of unimpeded sunlight will cause calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and the oppressive regime is a source of constant stress. Such conditions when endured for prolonged periods are seriously damaging.

Finally the introduction of squat searches was another deterioration of the situation here. They have been described accurately as an assault on the person. They have no security justification and are another attempt to break the spirit of Irish people held in British prisons.