Inquiry ordered into recording of prisoners' calls to MPs

Mr Grayling said conversations between prisoners and their MPs must be treated as confidential

An investigation into the recording of telephone calls between prisoners and their constituency MPs has been ordered by the justice secretary.

Chris Grayling said confidential conversations may have been taped and listened to by prison staff.

He said the monitoring may have taken place between 2006 and 2012, before the government "tightened up" the system.

Mr Grayling apologised to the Commons and said at least 32 current MPs could have been affected.

He also said a small number of calls between prisoners and their lawyers could also have been "accidentally" recorded.

The justice secretary told MPs an independent investigation would be carried out by the Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick.

"This issue stretches back to 2006 and primarily relates to the period prior to autumn 2012 when this government made changes to tighten up the system," Mr Grayling said.

"This is a serious matter and I would like to start by apologising to the House on behalf of my department for any interception of communications between a prisoner and their constituency MP."


BBC News