Burrows slams prison officers’ exposure to second-hand smoke

Pictured: North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has raised fresh concerns over the health risks faced by prison officers in Northern Ireland, who remain exposed to second-hand smoke due to the absence of a smoking ban in local prisons.

Northern Ireland is currently the only part of the United Kingdom where prisoners are still permitted to smoke inside, despite similar bans being successfully introduced across Great Britain.

Mr Burrows described the situation as unacceptable, highlighting the impact on frontline staff who already endure one of the most demanding roles in the justice system.

He said:

“It is unjustifiable that prison officers in Northern Ireland who already do a difficult and stressful job must also endure second-hand smoke in their workplace.

“The Ulster Unionist Party has been listening closely to the concerns of our prison officers, and we are now demanding that the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Prison Service take immediate policy and operational steps to protect the health of those who serve on the front line.”

Mr Burrows pointed to the positive outcomes from smoking bans in prisons elsewhere in the UK, stressing that Northern Ireland should not lag behind on what he views as a matter of basic workplace safety.

“The ban on smoking in prisons across Great Britain has been a clear success, improving the health of both prisoners and prison staff. There is no reason why Northern Ireland should lag behind in protecting our officers from passive smoking,” he added.

The MLA confirmed that urgent questions have been submitted to the Department of Justice, seeking answers as to why Northern Ireland has not yet followed the rest of the UK in outlawing smoking within prison facilities.

“Our prison officers deserve the same protection as their colleagues elsewhere, and we will continue to press for swift action to safeguard their health,” Mr Burrows said.

The issue is expected to add further pressure on the Department of Justice to consider aligning Northern Ireland’s prison smoking policies with those already implemented across England, Scotland, and Wales.