PRISONERS should not be given priority Covid vaccines according to The Northern Echo readers, who gave their opinion after the suggestion proved controversial amongst MPs.

North-East MPS hit out after a Labour MP suggested prisoners should get priority Covid vaccines, saying frontline workers and the vulnerable should get theirs first.

In Parliament on Wednesday, January 13, Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana asked vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi if the Government had considered prioritising prisoners for jabs - which she said would be a "humane approach to a completely disenfranchised population".

But North-East conservatives Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland, and Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton South, disagreed with the suggestion - and so did most of the 45 The Northern Echo readers who had their say. 

Ian Bowman thinks prisoners should be last to receive a vaccine.

He said: "I am afraid that as they have committed crimes against the decent people of communities they have given up the rights to many things.

"I do not think they should be allowed the vote and certainly should not be put above high-risk people, NHS workers, emergency service workers, essential workers (including shop staff) and prison officers in getting the vaccine.

"Put them at the end of the queue as they are in a protected environment."

Charlie Kostromin said not before "decent folk".

He commented: "It seems for generations, prisoners have been prioritised for many things from food, education to entertainment. Whilst law-abiding citizens go without.

"Should we prioritise low-risk prisoners above high risk? Then yes... But should they get the vaccine before decent folk, no chance."

Lynda Davidson said: "No chance. I'm a cleaner in dr surgery and I cannot even get it."

Others said people who work in prisons should be given it, but largely agreed that prisoners should not. 

Wendy Spooner said: "Prison staff definitely. Prisoners no they have too many privileges already."

Julie Hewitt agreed, saying: "Prison staff yes, inmates no they can't spread it to loads of people in general public."

Kate Umpleby believes the current priority groups are fair.

She said: "The only fair way to do it is by priority already established. Prison workers- yes."