Menu
09/10/2006
Reid announces plans to ease prisons crisis
Home Secretary John Reid has announced plans to make up to 500 places available in police cells in order to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons in England and Wales.
Mr Reid also told the Commons that "maximum flexibility" would be provided for transfers to open jails.
The Home Secretary also pointed out that the law will be changed in order to make the deportation of foreign criminals easier.
According to reports, the prison population in England and Wales reached a record 79,843 over the weekend. Around 8,000 extra places have been pledged by the government.
Last week, the Conservatives criticised the possible solutions. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: "Using police cells will only provide a very short-term answer and in any case would present the police with serious problems when processing any arrests.
"The only way the early release of prisoners could relieve overcrowding is if you released over a hundred extra prisoners early every week. Such an option would lead to considerate extra risk to the public and completely undermine the concept of punishment and rehabilitation in our prisons."
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Reid also told the Commons that "maximum flexibility" would be provided for transfers to open jails.
The Home Secretary also pointed out that the law will be changed in order to make the deportation of foreign criminals easier.
According to reports, the prison population in England and Wales reached a record 79,843 over the weekend. Around 8,000 extra places have been pledged by the government.
Last week, the Conservatives criticised the possible solutions. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: "Using police cells will only provide a very short-term answer and in any case would present the police with serious problems when processing any arrests.
"The only way the early release of prisoners could relieve overcrowding is if you released over a hundred extra prisoners early every week. Such an option would lead to considerate extra risk to the public and completely undermine the concept of punishment and rehabilitation in our prisons."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 February 2007
Home Secretary to announce new prisons
The Home Secretary John Reid is to announce plans for two new prisons, providing an extra 1,300 spaces. The prisons, which will reportedly cost more than £160m, will be located near Ashworth high security mental hospital in Merseyside and next to Belmarsh prison in Woolwich, south east London.
Home Secretary to announce new prisons
The Home Secretary John Reid is to announce plans for two new prisons, providing an extra 1,300 spaces. The prisons, which will reportedly cost more than £160m, will be located near Ashworth high security mental hospital in Merseyside and next to Belmarsh prison in Woolwich, south east London.
10 June 2008
Police Lose High Court Pay Battle
Police officers have lost their High Court battle for a 2.5% pay rise to be paid in full. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith refused to implement their pay award in full, which has led to bitterness among the ranks. The Police Federation said that Ms Smith has acted unlawfully.
Police Lose High Court Pay Battle
Police officers have lost their High Court battle for a 2.5% pay rise to be paid in full. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith refused to implement their pay award in full, which has led to bitterness among the ranks. The Police Federation said that Ms Smith has acted unlawfully.
16 May 2012
Police Federation Warns Home Secretary Is "Destroying Police"
Home secretary Theresa May is facing harsh criticism from rank-and-file police officers, who say she is "on the precipice of destroying" a police service admired throughout the world.
Police Federation Warns Home Secretary Is "Destroying Police"
Home secretary Theresa May is facing harsh criticism from rank-and-file police officers, who say she is "on the precipice of destroying" a police service admired throughout the world.
09 November 2015
Nine New Prisons To Be Built
Chancellor George Osborne and Justice Secretary Michael Gove have announced a major new prison reform programme for the UK. The plans involve the construction of nine new prisons.
Nine New Prisons To Be Built
Chancellor George Osborne and Justice Secretary Michael Gove have announced a major new prison reform programme for the UK. The plans involve the construction of nine new prisons.
25 June 2004
Blunkett threatens legal action over Westwood row
Home Secretary David Blunkett has stood by his decision to demand that Humberside Police Authority suspend Chief Constable David Westwood, and said that he may seek legal action to enforce it.
Blunkett threatens legal action over Westwood row
Home Secretary David Blunkett has stood by his decision to demand that Humberside Police Authority suspend Chief Constable David Westwood, and said that he may seek legal action to enforce it.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
