Oral Answers to Questions

Ellie Reeves Excerpts

Tuesday 9th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab)]

In the past five years, more than 300,000 prison sentences of less than a year have been handed out, but the reoffending rate among that cohort is a staggering 64.4%. The Justice Committee has repeatedly called for the abolition of short custodial sentences. I appreciate that the Secretary of State is sympathetic to that call—I note his answer to an earlier question—but may we please have swift and urgent action?

[Mr Gauke]

I agree with the hon. Lady’s point about the statistics—we should be led by the evidence—and I hope to make further progress on this matter in the time that is left ahead.