Contents Introduction by John Wadham, NPM Chair 4 1. Context 8 About the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) 9 The UK's National Preventive Mechanism 10 Spotlight on prevention 14 Political context, policy and legislative developments 15 The situation in detention during the year 24 2. The NPM in 2018-19 NPM objectives Strengthening the NPM Member-specific developments Joint working across the NPM Submitting proposals and observations on legislation International scrutiny and collaboration 36 37 37 38 46 47 51 3. Looking ahead to 2019-20 Visit from the United Nations Subcommittee for Prevention of Torture 54 55 4. Appendices 56 Appendix I Letter from NPM Chair John Wadham to Chair of Joint Committee on Human Rights, Harriet Harman 57 Appendix II Letter from NPM Chair John Wadham to Justice Select Committee Chair, Sir Robert Neill 59 Appendix III Glossary 61