The level of protection being given to Muslim prisoners, particularly following the terrorist attacks in London, is to be discussed today at a seminar held as part of the Zahid Mubarek inquiry, writes Clare Jerrom.

Chair of the inquiry Mr Justice Keith has raised the issue as one of major concern and he said he wants to find out what steps, if any, are being taken to ensure Muslim prisoners have sufficient protection from other inmates.

“The position of Muslims in prison is now high on the agenda – not simply because Zahid Mubarek was a Muslim, but also because of the significant increase in Muslim prisoners in recent years and the possibility of reprisals against them by other prisoners in the wake of recent terrorist outrages,” he said.

Mr Justice Keith wants delegates to discuss whether the current method for delivering race equality in individual prisons should be reformed.

Currently race relations is overseen by prison officers who act as race relations officers. But the chair questioned whether race relations professionals should be brought in from outside the Service.