A Cumbrian MP has welcomed the justice secretary’s announcement that some transgender women will be barred from female prisons.

Dominic Raab has announced that trans women with male genitalia will be barred from women’s prisons if they have been convicted of a sexual offence.

“I greatly welcome the new transgender prison policy” said Workington MP, Mark Jenkinson.

“This will ensure those with male genitalia or those who have committed sexual offences will not be incarcerated with women - a common-sense decision to improve safety for female prisoners in England and Wales.”

The controversial issue was raised recently following the outcry to the decision to allow 31-year-old trans woman, Isla Bryson into a women’s prison after she was convicted of raping two women before transitioning.

Ms Bryson was later taken to a male site following the controversy and a review is currently underway in Scotland.

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The new regime will apply whether or not the prisoner has a gender recognition certificate.