Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Herbert of South Downs and Kate Green

Monday 12th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert)]

I will certainly look into the matter that my hon. Friend raises and I am happy to discuss it further with him. Police co-operation in all matters is, of course, desirable.

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

T6. Tomorrow, the Howard League for Penal Reform will publish a report showing that about 50,000 children, including about 10,000 girls, spent the night in police custody in both 2009 and 2010. Will the Home Secretary look urgently at the inappropriate and overuse of the detention of children overnight? What can she do to improve processes between local authorities and the police?

[Nick Herbert]

I note the hon. Lady’s point and we will study the report when it is produced by the Howard League tomorrow.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Herbert of South Downs and Kate Green

Tuesday 8th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Nick Herbert]

I agree with my hon. Friend about the value of that work, which can both provide enhanced victim satisfaction—victims are otherwise too often an afterthought in the process—and reduce reoffending rates. That was why the coalition agreement committed us to introducing neighbourhood resolution panels, which we intend to take forward. We have invited expressions of interest and had good interest in them, and we will set up pilots in the new year.

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

What steps will the Minister take to support restorative justice programmes in prisons, such as that offered by the Prison Fellowship’s “Sycamore Tree” programme?