Could the Ministry of Justice be about to claw back control of our prison service? Is it ready to swoop on drug pushers? Will the criminals responsible soon be up before the beak?

The department has often been criticised for pecking away at budgets, but justice minister Sam Gyimah has hinted at an intriguing new recruit.

Quizzed during justice questions last week on how to stop the use of drones to smuggle into prisons, Gyimah said that fowl play in the skies is a ‘game-changer’ – but there could be a secret weapon.

‘I am keeping a close eye on what is happening internationally, particularly in Holland, where eagles are used to stop drones,’ said Gyimah. ‘I am sure that we will find a solution in the UK that will take off.’

Obiter trusts the minister isn’t winging it.

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