Anger after another transgender woman sent to men's prison, despite government promises

News comes after two transgender women found hanged within weeks of each other in all-male prisons

Transgender prisoners must have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) to be sent to the correct prison for the agenda (Getty)

Another transgender woman has been sent to a men's prison despite the Government promising to review the rights of transgender prisoners.

The review was commissioned after two transgender women were found hanged within weeks of each other in two different male prisons last year.

Subsequently, a third transgender prisoner, Tara Hudson, was transferred from all-male HMP Bristol to all-female HMP Eastwood prison after a public campaign.

But Daniel Zeichner, the Labour MP for Cambridge, told Pink News that a trans constituent, who did not want to be named, was currently being held in a male prison.

He said: "A transgender constituent of mine who is being held in custody is having a very difficult time in a men’s prison.

“[After the previous cases] we were promised a review. What discussions has she had with the Justice Secretary and how close are we to some outcomes from that review?"

Prison policy currently states that transgender prisoners must have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) in order to be sent to the correct prison for their gender.

However, due to the difficulties and expense of getting a GRC, many transgender people never obtain one.

Minister for Equality, Nicky Morgan MP, said she would look into the specific case.

"The Government are firmly committed to ensuring that the needs of transgender prisoners are fully met," she said.

"The Ministry of Justice has carried out the review and it will be published shortly."

The Ministry of Justice said in a statement: "We do not comment on individual prisoners. Our top priority is the welfare of those in our custody, and there are strict rules in place to ensure transgender prisoners are managed safely and in accordance with the law.

“Any allegation that transgender prisoners are being treated in an improper way will always be fully investigated. If anyone is aware of such treatment, we would urge them to report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the relevant prison, police, Independent Monitoring Board, Prison and Probation Ombudsman or the Chief Inspector of Prisons.

"We are reviewing how transgender prisoners are treated in the Prison Service and will set out more detail in due course."