Pepper spray use at young offender institutions in England ruled legal

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Rajeev Syal Home affairs editorJanuary 19, 2026 at 03:07 PM

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The High Court in England has ruled that the use of Pava pepper spray in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) is lawful, dismissing a challenge by the Howard League for Penal Reform. The charity argued that the risks of Pava, including potential harm to vulnerable prisoners and disproportionate use against minority groups, were not adequately considered when the Labour government authorized its use. The ruling stated that the Justice Secretary had implemented thorough safeguards, intending Pava to be a last resort in situations of life-threatening violence. Pava was rolled out across YOIs in England and Wales in April to protect staff, despite concerns from various organizations. Data indicates a disproportionate use of force, including Pava, against Black prisoners compared to White prisoners.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wales ×240% British Association of Social Workers 40% Youth Justice Board 50% HM Inspectorate of Prisons 50% Prison Officers’ Association (POA) 60% Labour government 60% England ×570% Shabana Mahmood ×270% Howard League for Penal Reform 80% Pava ×690%

Keywords

pepper spray 100% young offender institutions 90% use of force 80% pava spray 70% prison violence 60% disproportionate use 50% legal challenge 50% prison officers 40%