It is a scandal that has all the potential to lead to a Grenfell fire-style disaster – one that could be prevented by relatively simple measures at low cost, and yet is still stymied by complacency.
Around half of British prison cells lack even the most basic of fire alarms, years after the danger was first identified, and with at least 11 inmates in recent years losing their lives as a result – all entirely avoidable tragedies.
