James Berry
Main Page: James Berry (Conservative - Kingston and Surbiton)Department Debates - View all James Berry's debates with the Ministry of Justice
(8 years, 11 months ago)
Commons Chamber1. What steps he is taking to improve the provision of education in prisons; and if he will make a statement. [R]
6. What steps he is taking to improve the provision of education in prisons; and if he will make a statement.
7. What steps he is taking to improve the provision of education in prisons; and if he will make a statement.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The levels of literacy and numeracy of many offenders in the system are far too low. If we can transform that and provide them with the skills to hold down a meaningful job, they can be genuine assets to our society rather than liabilities.
What role does my right hon. Friend think that new and outside providers could play in improving educational opportunities and outcomes in our prisons?
There are some formidable organisations that want to improve the quality of education in our prisons. In my previous role as Education Secretary, I saw how a wider diversity of education suppliers can help to raise standards for all, and particularly for the most disadvantaged. I would like to see the same reforming vigour applied to the education of offenders.