Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Wright and Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

Tuesday 2nd July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Wright]

I am certainly in favour of anything that can be demonstrated to assist in reducing reoffending, but there is another test that needs to be applied: a public acceptability test. The public have certain expectations of what should and should not happen in prison, so we need to apply that filter, but I am certainly interested in imaginative ideas that will help to drive down reoffending rates.

[Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP)]

Can the Minister assure the House that improving literacy among prisoners is provided equally across the United Kingdom? What consultation has he had with the Minister of Justice in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Wright and Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

Tuesday 19th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Wright]

Yes, and what my hon. Friend says about the importance of early intervention is entirely right. I take this opportunity to thank him and his colleagues on the Select Committee on Justice for the report that they produced last week. It was extremely welcome and we will look at it in detail and respond in due course. What he says about early intervention is important, and we will certainly work with colleagues across Government to ensure that that continues.

[Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP)]

What part does the Minister believe that parental responsibility and a stable family unit play in preventing young people from entering the criminal justice system?

[Jeremy Wright]

The hon. Gentleman is right. Early intervention is crucial and we want to make sure that it looks not just at criminal justice, but at family structures, education and health care. A whole range of different interests across Government must be represented in this exercise if we are truly to get to the bottom of the many problems and often chaotic background that some young people come from.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Wright and Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

Tuesday 5th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Wright]

My hon. Friend knows how I hate to disagree with him, but he needs to recognise that we are replacing IPP sentences with measures that are just as tough and a lot more effective. The truth is that if someone is convicted of offences of a very serious nature, the judge has the option of passing the ultimate indeterminate sentence—a life sentence—if that is merited. We are therefore taking measures to protect the public. We are replacing an ineffective sentencing regime with a much more effective one.

[Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP)]

As the Minister progresses his plans for probation services, what consultations has he had with the devolved Administration? When did he last meet the Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, and were probation services on the agenda?