Prison Capacity

11 Mar

Question

Prison Capacity

The Question session in the House of Commons focused on the issue of prison capacity and was characterized by a detailed discussion on the measures being undertaken to expand and modernize prison facilities in the UK. The debate was initiated by a question regarding the steps the Department is taking to increase prison capacity, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts in infrastructure expansion.

The primary theme of the session revolved around the historical comparison of prison capacity expansion between the present government and previous administrations. Sir Nicholas Dakin defended the current plans emphasizing the construction of new facilities, including the significant mention of HMP Millsike, touted as the UK's first all-electric prison.

Questions raised by Lewis Atkinson and Gavin Robinson touched on the deterrent effect of prisons and systemic issues in the criminal justice process, respectively. These inquiries prompted the discussion beyond capacity numbers, addressing the broader implications of incarceration policies and their administration.

1,500

New prison places expected with the opening of HMP Millsike.

27,830

Prison places increased under the last Labour Government over 13 years.

Outcome: The session underscored a commitment from the current government to significantly increase prison capacity through proactive building projects. Sir Nicholas Dakin's responses suggested ongoing evaluations of systemic court and sentencing procedures, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing prison population challenges.

500

Prison places produced over 14 years by the prior Government.

Outcome

Commitment to new prison construction, acknowledgment of systemic criminal justice issues, and assurance of a balanced approach to handling prison population pressures.

Key Contributions

Lewis Atkinson

Labour

Raised concern about the current government's approach to prison capacity, stressing the deterrent effect of incarceration.

Sir Nicholas Dakin

Defended the government's record, emphasizing the significant constructions planned, including HMP Millsike and new sites in Leicestershire and Buckinghamshire.

Gavin Robinson

DUP

Highlighted the issue of backlogs within the Crown court system contributing to increased prisoner numbers.

Original Transcript

Lewis Atkinson

Sunderland Central

Lab

Question

UIN: 903123

16. What steps her Department is taking to increase prison capacity.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice

Sir Nicholas Dakin

00:00

This Government inherited a prison system on the verge of collapse. Under the last Government, in 14 years only 500 prison places were produced. Under the last Labour Government, there was a net increase of 27,830 prison places in 13 years. We are redoubling our efforts to match that number.

Lewis Atkinson

00:00

The prison capacity crisis that this Government inherited has resulted in persistent offenders not feeling the deterrent effect of a custody option being realistically available.

Can the Minister tell us how this Government’s prison building plans will restore a level of deterrence to the system and ensure that capacity is available in time to remove active offenders from the streets?

Sir Nicholas Dakin

00:00

Where they were blocking, we are building, building, building. HMP Millsike, the UK’s first all-electric prison, will open in just a few weeks and deliver 1,500 places.

Just last week, the Prisons Minister in the other place attended a groundbreaking at HMP Highpoint, and we have already secured full planning permission for a new prison in Leicestershire and outline planning permission for a new prison in Buckinghamshire. We are getting on with the job.

Gavin Robinson

Belfast East

DUP

12:11

The Minister will know that the increase in prisoner numbers is often because of the logjam within the Crown court system, and there are too many on remand who are then convicted and released with time served, with no opportunity for rehabilitation or mentoring.

Will he confirm that that forms part of the sentencing review or the Leveson review?

Sir Nicholas Dakin

00:00

That is why we are doing this big system relook. The right hon. Member is right to draw attention to this. We are going to tackle it and sort it out.

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