This afternoon, Kelly made a representation during the Urgent Question on safety in prisons and secure training centres, following the allegations made by BBC Panorama involving abuse of child detainees at Medway Secure Training Centre.
Kelly stated,
“I would like to thank the Secretary of State for his response this afternoon, I found that very helpful. I was shocked and appalled to hear the allegations of abuse to the young people of the staff at the Medway STC, which is in Borstal in my constituency.
I understand these allegations were a result of the undercover BBC Panorama investigation, and I too thank the BBC. However, I am extremely concerned to learn that the BBC only revealed these allegations at the end of December, when the investigation ran from October to December, and I would question why the relevant authorities were not alerted immediately.
I had a long conversation with Paul Cook, the DCS at G4S, last Thursday to update me on the immediate action taking place at the Medway Secure Training Centre following these allegations.
I would like to ask the Secretary of State to assure me that following the conclusion of the police investigation and the LADO that a Youth Justice Board carries out a review of the safeguarding processes and measures that are at the Medway Secure Training Centre, and so as their local MP can see that those young people who are placed there are looked after.”
The transcript for the full urgent question, including the Secretary of State's response, can be viewed here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmhansrd/cm160111/debtext/160111-0001.htm#16011114000003