Former Head of Counter Terrorism Chris Phillips has issued a stark warning that "Islamism is ruling our prisons" following a horrific attack at HMP Frankland.
Speaking on GB News, Phillips raised serious concerns about the management of extremist prisoners after three prison officers suffered life-threatening injuries in an assault allegedly carried out by Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber.
Phillips claimed that Islamist prisoners now form "the biggest gang" within the UK prison system.
The comments come as prison authorities face mounting questions about security protocols for those convicted of terrorism offences.
Chris Phillips discussed Hashem Abedi's attack
GB NEWS / GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE
The attack at HMP Frankland occurred on Saturday when Hashem Abedi allegedly launched what the Prison Officers' Association described as a "vicious" and "unprovoked" assault.
Three prison officers sustained life-threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds.
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According to the union, Abedi threw hot cooking oil over the officers before using homemade weapons to stab them.
Abedi is currently serving a minimum 55-year life sentence for his role in the Manchester Arena bombing that killed 22 people.
The Prison Service confirmed that three officers have been treated in hospital following the attack, and police are investigating the incident.
In his GB News interview, Phillips expressed grave concerns about the challenges of deradicalisation within the prison system.
Chris Phillips spoke to Ben Leo on GB News
GB NEWS
"An awful lot of them have been put away and they've not been deradicalised. Clearly this man [Hashem Abedi] will not be deradicalised," he stated.
Phillips highlighted what he called a "nightmare scenario" regarding the eventual release of radicalised prisoners.
"The bigger problem here is, what do we do with these people when they come up to their end of term?" he questioned.
When presenter Ben Leo mentioned that "some people" would call for the death penalty, Phillips acknowledged the sentiment but dismissed it as impractical.
"That won't ever be the case - it's a waste of breath talking about it," he said.
Phillips advocated for stricter conditions for extremist prisoners following the attack.
"They can't be given access to these kinds of things. They should have very little rights and kept on their own," he said.
The former counter-terrorism chief criticised what he sees as misplaced priorities in the prison system.
"We're too busy worrying about their health and making sure they get their human rights," Phillips stated.
He also highlighted resource issues affecting prison security.
"I know for a fact prison officers are understaffed, underresourced and this will make the situation worse," he warned.
The Prison Officers' Association has called for an immediate review of the freedoms allowed to prisoners in separation centres.
