PRT comment: Resignation of Lord Timpson as minister for prisons

Commenting on the announcement that Lord Timpson has resigned as Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Pia Sinha chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“We are sad to hear the news of Lord Timpson’s decision to resign as Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending. Lord Timpson took over as prisons minister during a time of acute crisis in our prisons. During his time at the Ministry of Justice, he has introduced legislation and measures to stabilise the crisis and to his credit we are seeing the green shoots of recovery in a number of places.

“Lord Timpson will be the longest serving prisons minister in 15 years. He has brought to the role a rare combination of practical experience, moral purpose and a deep understanding of the challenges facing people in prison and on release. Before entering government, he was a long-standing champion of rehabilitation and second chances, including through his leadership of the Prison Reform Trust and his work to expand employment opportunities for people with convictions.

“However, significant work remains to address prison overcrowding, strengthen probation and reduce reoffending.

“We wish Lord Timpson every success for the future and look forward to working constructively with his successor. The need for long-term, evidence-led prison reform has never been greater, and we remain optimistic that the momentum for change can continue in the months and years ahead.”