Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Eastwood Excerpts
Tuesday 12th September 2023

(8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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I can confirm that the Lord Chancellor and I—and us all—are very conscious of the difficulties around IPP sentences, which would not be introduced today. We abolished them, as the hon. Lady knows, but there are people in prison who have been recalled or not released by the parole board because they have not been considered safe for release. Our objective is to help to manage people towards safe release into the community. To that end, our recently announced action plan is central.

Mark Eastwood Portrait Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) (Con)
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The rehabilitation of offenders is so important in reducing the chances of them committing crime once released from prison, especially if they can get back into work. Could the Minister outline any schemes that help to give offenders the skills they need, and how they can access companies that are willing to give them a second chance in life?

Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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My hon Friend is so right. In topical questions, I do not have the time to start to unpack all the different things I would like say, so I will not. Suffice it to say that brilliant companies are providing training opportunities.