PRT comment: Independent review of prisons

Commenting on today’s announcement by the Ministry of Justice that it will launch an independent review of prisons led by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“We welcome the announcement of this independent review and the opportunity to take a long-term look at the deep-rooted challenges facing our prison system. While immediate action to reduce the pressure on prisons has been essential, lasting reform requires a much broader focus on safety, staffing, conditions, leadership and rehabilitation. The review rightly recognises that prisons must be places that not only keep people safe, but also reduce the likelihood of future offending.”

“Too many people in prison continue to be held in conditions that are unsafe, impoverished and damaging, while staff face immense pressures in trying to maintain safety and support rehabilitation. Security measures have an important role to play, but they must be accompanied by investment in purposeful activity, healthcare, education, family ties and effective support for prison staff and governors.”

“This review is an opportunity to move beyond managing crisis and towards building a prison system that is humane, effective and capable of reducing reoffending. We look forward to contributing evidence and expertise to help ensure that prisons are places of safety, dignity and hope, and that they better serve the people who live and work in them and the wider public.”