Oral Answers to Questions

John Lamont Excerpts

Tuesday 12th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Julian Knight (Solihull) (Con)]

19. What the Government’s policy is on the use of imprisonment for offenders.

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

20. What the Government’s policy is on the use of imprisonment for offenders.

[Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Outwood) (Con)]

23. What the Government’s policy is on the use of imprisonment for offenders.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Gauke]

Incentives in the prison system are important to achieving good behaviour. Early release does help offenders to successfully make the transition from custody to living crime-free lives in the community. An additional early release scheme for certain offenders, home detention curfew, further helps to manage that transition and reduce future offending.

[John Lamont]

Question 20, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman’s question has been grouped. His opportunity is here. His moment is now. Let us hear the sonorous tones of the hon. Gentleman.

[John Lamont]

I am very grateful, Mr Speaker.

I understand the UK Government are looking at the effectiveness of short-term custodial sentences to reduce reoffending. I invite Ministers to look at the experience in Scotland, where short-term sentences have already been abolished yet reoffending rates remain stubbornly high. I therefore urge Ministers to look more closely at whether rehabilitation programmes in prison are working effectively, even those for prisoners on short-term sentences.

[Mr Gauke]

In conjunction with reforming short sentences, it is important that we have confidence in the delivery of community orders. We have been clear that in England and Wales probation services need to improve—we have already discussed that—but the two have to run together: reform of short sentences and adequate community alternatives.