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HMP Belmarsh

HMP Belmarsh, often referred to as "Britain's toughest prison," is a Category A men’s prison located in Thamesmead, southeast London. Known for housing some of the most high-profile and dangerous criminals in the UK, the prison is frequently associated with national security cases, including those involving terrorism suspects. In addition to its notorious reputation, Belmarsh has faced significant criticism over its treatment of inmates, earning it the moniker "Hellmarsh."

History of HMP Belmarsh

HMP Belmarsh officially opened on April 2, 1991, on the grounds of the former Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, southeast London. Its strategic location near Woolwich Crown Court allows for the swift transfer of high-risk prisoners to and from court. The prison was originally built to handle Category A inmates, who pose the highest security risk in the UK.

From its inception, Belmarsh was designed to be a high-security facility. In 1991, the prison welcomed its first high-profile inmate, armed robber Ronnie Field, marking the beginning of its role as a center for dangerous offenders. Over the years, Belmarsh has housed members of organized crime, notorious criminals, and those involved in national security concerns.

Between 2001 and 2002, Belmarsh was heavily used to detain terrorism suspects indefinitely without trial under the Anti-terrorism, Crime, and Security Act 2001. This led to widespread criticism from human rights organizations, which compared the prison to "Britain’s Guantanamo Bay."

The high-security unit (HSU)

One of the most notable features of HMP Belmarsh is its High-Security Unit (HSU), which houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the UK. The HSU consists of 48 single cells designed for inmates involved in national security threats, including terrorism. Inmates in the HSU are subject to strict security measures, with limited contact with other prisoners and heavily controlled interactions with staff.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of many of the cases handled in Belmarsh, the prison has been at the forefront of discussions about national security, human rights, and the balance between safety and personal freedoms. The detainment of terrorism suspects without trial, for instance, has been a source of controversy and debate.

Life inside Belmarsh

HMP Belmarsh has earned a reputation as one of the harshest prisons in the UK, with former inmates and human rights groups describing it as a difficult environment. Former prisoners, including high-profile figures like politician Jeffrey Archer, have criticized the prison for its tough conditions, leading to its nickname "Hellmarsh."

A report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons in 2009 criticized Belmarsh for using excessive force on prisoners, stating that many inmates reported being intimidated and victimized by staff. Overcrowding has also been a long-standing issue at Belmarsh, contributing to the harsh conditions and tension within the prison.

Despite its reputation, the prison offers a number of rehabilitation programs aimed at helping prisoners reintegrate into society upon release. These include educational workshops, vocational training, and exercise facilities. Belmarsh has a partnership with Charlton Athletic F.C. to provide FA-accredited coaching courses for prisoners, giving them an opportunity to develop new skills while serving their sentences.

Rehabilitation and support programs

Belmarsh strives to offer rehabilitation opportunities to its inmates, despite the prison's challenges. Prisoners can access a range of educational programs, workshops, and gym facilities. The prison's gym partnership with Charlton Athletic F.C. provides inmates with training opportunities that can lead to FA-accredited coaching qualifications. These qualifications offer prisoners valuable skills that they can use to find employment upon release, helping reduce the risk of reoffending.

Additionally, the prison operates a Listener Scheme, which provides support to prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide. This initiative trains selected prisoners to offer emotional support to fellow inmates, creating a peer support network within the prison.

For foreign national prisoners, Belmarsh provides a support group that offers legal advice on immigration matters. This is especially important for inmates who may face deportation after serving their sentences or who need assistance with legal proceedings related to their immigration status.

High-Profile cases and inmates

Belmarsh has housed some of the most high-profile and dangerous criminals in British history. In addition to terrorism suspects, it has also held members of organized crime groups, infamous criminals, and public figures convicted of serious offenses. Some of the most notable inmates include:

Ronnie Field:
The first high-profile inmate at Belmarsh, Field was an armed robber associated with organized crime.

Jeffrey Archer:
The former Conservative politician and novelist served time at Belmarsh for perjury and perverting the course of justice.

Abu Hamza:
The radical cleric, known for his extremist views, was imprisoned at Belmarsh before being extradited to the United States.

Julian Assange:
The founder of WikiLeaks, Assange was detained at Belmarsh while facing extradition proceedings to the United States.

Challenges within HMP Belmarsh

Throughout its history, Belmarsh has been the subject of numerous controversies, largely related to the treatment of prisoners and the prison’s role in detaining terrorism suspects without trial. The prison’s use of force has been heavily criticized, with numerous reports of excessive violence and intimidation by staff.

The detainment of terrorism suspects under the Anti-terrorism, Crime, and Security Act 2001 led to the prison being dubbed "Britain’s Guantanamo Bay." Human rights activists have condemned the indefinite detention of suspects without charge, and the practice was eventually ruled discriminatory by the Law Lords in 2004. Despite this ruling, Belmarsh remains closely associated with terrorism cases and national security concerns.

In 2009, an inspection report highlighted the "extremely high" amount of force used on inmates, leading to further scrutiny of the prison’s management and treatment of its population. Many inmates reported feeling victimized by staff, and the report highlighted the need for reforms within the institution.

HMP Belmarsh is a prison that occupies a unique position in the UK’s criminal justice system. As a Category A prison, it houses some of the most dangerous and high-profile offenders in the country, particularly those involved in national security cases. The prison’s High-Security Unit, its controversial role in detaining terrorism suspects without trial, and its reputation for tough conditions have all contributed to its notoriety.

Despite its challenges, Belmarsh offers a range of rehabilitation programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society upon release. The prison's partnership with Charlton Athletic F.C. and its support programs for vulnerable prisoners demonstrate an effort to balance security with rehabilitation, though the prison continues to face criticism for its treatment of inmates and use of force.

As one of the most well-known prisons in the UK, Belmarsh will likely remain at the center of debates about national security, human rights, and the treatment of prisoners for years to come.

Contact Information:
- Tel: 01440 743100
- Address: Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9YG
- Operational capacity: 1,323