HMP Millsike, the United Kingdom’s newest prison, has faced severe criticism following an official inspection. Opened in April 2025, the facility was described by inspectors as operating in a state of 'chaos' during its initial months. The findings indicate that staff struggled to maintain basic security standards, specifically noting that essential processes such as the secure locking of cell doors and the accurate counting of the inmate population were not consistently performed.

The inspection report suggests that these lapses in protocol were symptomatic of a broader failure in the prison's management and operational readiness upon opening. While the facility was intended to modernize the prison estate, the report underscores the difficulties encountered during the transition period. The findings have raised concerns regarding the safety of both staff and inmates, as well as the overall effectiveness of the prison's security infrastructure. At this time, there has been no official statement from the Ministry of Justice detailing specific corrective actions or addressing the timeline for resolving these systemic failures. The report serves as a critical assessment of the challenges inherent in launching a major correctional facility, highlighting a gap between the intended operational standards and the reality experienced during the prison's first months of service.