Justice Committee to question Minister and prison chiefs on the Government’s response to prison population pressures
The Committee questions Edward Argar, Minister for Prisons, Parole and Probation as part of its inquiry into the future prison population and estate capacity.
Meeting details
MPs on the cross-party committee also takes evidence from Amy Rees, Director General Chief Executive, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and Ross Gribbin, Director General, Policy – Prisons, Offenders and International Justice, Ministry of Justice.
The session explores the pressures facing the prison estate, including overcrowding, the deteriorating condition of old prison buildings and the lack of staff to safely manage and rehabilitate offenders. Discussion will also focus on the Government’s approach, including reforms announced last October by the Lord Chancellor, plus plans to rent prison capacity abroad.The Justice Committee’s inquiry is examining the projected changes to the size and composition of the prison population, the implications of this and the deliverability of the Government’s prison expansion programme. It is also examining the efficacy of the Government’s strategy to safely manage the prison population.