Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Louise Haigh Excerpts
Tuesday 8th October 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lucy Frazer Portrait Lucy Frazer
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My hon. Friend makes an important point about releases on Fridays. It is something that I have been looking at, but whether a prisoner is released on Friday, Thursday, Wednesday, Tuesday or Monday, it is important that they have accommodation and support.

Louise Haigh Portrait Louise Haigh (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab)
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Today’s report by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of probation is one of the most shocking independent inspection reports that I have ever read. Nearly two thirds of children are going on to reoffend. Accommodation, health services and support on leaving custody are all highlighted as failing. How much longer are Ministers going to throw good money after bad in providing more prison places, rather than the targeted investment on education and support that we know helps turn children’s lives around?

Lucy Frazer Portrait Lucy Frazer
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The hon. Lady makes an important point about rehabilitating people in prison. We have reduced the youth estate over the years, so only the most serious offenders are in prison and we do want to ensure that appropriate sentences are handed down. None the less, education in prison, accommodation on release and universal credit are priorities for this Government.