25/01/07 - Reid's Letter - An Admission Of Failure On Crime

Swindon's Conservative Parliamentary Candidates Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson have labelled Home Secretary John Reid's letter urging judges to send fewer people to prison because of overcrowding "an admission of failure".

Mr. Buckland, who is a criminal barrister and South Swindon candidate, said: "This Government has introduced sixty separate pieces of criminal justice legislation. They should have realised years ago that the effect of their policies would be that more prison places were needed. The situation became so chaotic that only last year, they sold off a prison ship. Weeks later, they realised that prison ships are needed once again. To say that this is a lack of planning is an understatement."

"Overcrowded prisons inevitably mean that dangerous offenders either get released too early or are transferred to unsuitable open prisons. Overcrowding also means that those prisoners who want help and rehabilitation are increasingly denied those facilities." said Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon's candidate.

Robert added: "The chickens have come home to roost for this government. I urge all judges and magistrates to sentence according to the rules of law, not the dictates of failed politicians."