Justice Committee to question Minister amid prison capacity concerns
The Justice Committee holds a one-off evidence session with Prisons and Probation Minister Damian Hinds following reforms announced by the Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk to reduce the pressures on the prison estate.
Meeting details
These include: A legislative presumption against custodial sentences of less than 12 months; a temporary scheme to enable the earlier supervised release of certain prisoners 18 days ahead of their automatic release date and a pledge to bring forward legislation to enable prisoners to be held in prisons overseas.
The session is expected to touch upon the Government’s plans to rent prison places abroad. The Justice Committee recently launched an inquiry into the future prison population and estate capacity after long-standing warnings on overcrowding and the deteriorating condition of prison buildings.
MPs will also hear evidence on the recent Urgent Notifications in relation to HMP Exeter, Bristol, Woodhill and Cookham Wood, amid concerns over safety, staffing, high levels of violence and self-harm and responsiveness to issues.
Alongside the Minister, Michelle Jarman-Howe, Chief Operating Officer Prisons, HMPPS (HM Prison and Probation Service) will be questioned by the cross-party committee of MPs.