The Question session in the House of Commons centered around the issue of prison capacity in Northern Ireland and featured discourse on collaborative practices and concerns about specific prison policies. Robin Swann of the UUP raised a query about ongoing discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning prison capacity trends. Sir Nicholas Dakin, responding, highlighted ongoing engagements between Ministry of Justice officials and their Northern Ireland counterparts through the "Five Nations Forum," which facilitates the exchange of best practices and addresses emerging issues to improve prison administration.

Swann further pressed on concerns about Northern Ireland's "separated regime," which allocates a special status or "kudos" to prisoners jailed due to paramilitary activities. He aired concerns regarding the potential risks of such policies potentially empowering individuals who may have been radicalized during incarceration. Sir Nicholas acknowledged the caution urged by Swann, stressing the importance of gleaning insights into prison management while remaining vigilant against policies that could produce adverse outcomes.

The session emphasized practical cooperation between entities to address prison capacity challenges while highlighting the need for carefully considered approaches to policies affecting reformation and reintegration of imprisoned individuals.