Country

United Kingdom

Detention issue

Solitary confinement

FRA research findings

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Legal instruments & key provisions

Legal instrument Key provision
England and Wales - Prison Rules 1999In England and Wales, solitary confinement is known as “segregation”. Segregation units in England and Wales serve the purpose of ‘removal from association’ may be used for the prisoner’s own protection or as a means to manage detainees posing a threat to the good order and discipline of the wing. Close Supervision Centres (CSC) in England and Wales serve the purpose of ‘removal from association’ “for the maintenance of good order or discipline or to ensure the safety of officers, prisoners or any other person”. The Governor can decide to segregate a prisoner for an initial period of 72 hours and if it is authorized, gather at least every 14 days thereafter until a maximum of 42 days.
Scotland - Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011Removal from association can either be ‘general’ or related to a ‘prescribed activity’. Removal from association orders cannot last beyond 72 hours, unless the Governor applies to the Scottish Ministers before the expiry of the order, to extend the order for a period of no more than one month or successive periods of no more than one month.
Northern Ireland - Prison and Young Offenders Centres Rules (Northern Ireland) 1995)Prisoners can be removed from association “where it is necessary for the maintenance of good order or discipline, or to ensure the safety of officers, prisoners or any other person or in his own interests”. Association can be restricted either generally, or for particular purposes for a period of no more than 72 hours. The Director needs the agreement of the Department of Justice to extend the order for a period of up to one month, which can be renewed for further periods not exceeding one month.

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