// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Ex-workers tell of 'chaotic atmosphere' at new £400m prison
HMP Millsike was lauded by the government when it opened in March 2025
The UK's newest prison has had a "chaotic atmosphere" in its first 18 months, former workers have told a BBC investigation.
HMP Millsike, in East Yorkshire, was heralded by the government for setting "the standard for the future" when it opened in March 2025 with 1,500 places.
But former workers have described under-staffing, inadequate training and seeing specialist officers called in to deal with serious incidents on numerous occasions.
Mitie, the company that runs the category C prison, said safety was its "highest priority" and it was "operating in line with plans agreed with the Ministry of Justice".
Shabana Mahmood (left), then justice secretary, on a tour of the prison with director Samantha Pariser in March 2025. Pariser was replaced in February this year
Millsike was built with a focus on rehabilitation and education and cost about £400m.
It was the first of four new jails due to be opened under a government pledge to create 14,000 places by 2031.
About 1,100 inmates are held there at present, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
But there have been a number of issues since the prison opened, including: