Sentencing Reform Welcome

The shocking fact that this country has more people in prison than any other democracy in Europe is one which has disturbed many people for a long time. Rory Stewart, the prisons minister, is now proposing a consultation on eliminating short term sentences of six months or less, because statistics show them to be a launch pad for continuous re-offending.

This is a very positive move and one can only hope that the government has the capability to consult and act in a timely fashion. But it is not just about short sentences. It is about restoring the whole fabric of the criminal justice system, hacked into by searing cuts under the austerity programme.

Sufficient prison staff, a proper training and rehabilitation programme, enough police officers especially neighbourhood foot patrols, sufficient resources generally for a real attack upon the drugs and gang culture, are just a few on a long list of essentials for a twenty first century response to modern crime at all levels.