Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hope in jail
Sir: Andreas Whittam Smith's article "Let us show prisoners how to be human beings" (23 June) was both insulting and demoralising to the thousands of prison officers who provide a humane and supportive environment for inmates. As someone who is privileged to deal with both staff and inmates in my capacity as a member of the prison watchdog body, the board of visitors, I found it infuriating.
Yes, the Prison Service has its rogues and yes, not every officer always treats every inmate with humanity, but to headline an article in such a way is to imply first that prisoners, by definition, are not human beings and second that no effort is being made by anyone to rehabilitate inmates.
On the contrary, daily, people are being changed for the better by their experience "inside". There is a long way still to go, but give credit where it is due. A recent report by HM Inspector of Prison was justifiably glowing in its praise of the excellent rapport between staff and inmates at HMP Wellingborough and the quality of both workshops and education. I don't believe this was an isolated case.
Get out and about a bit more, Mr Whittam Smith. Contact your local board of visitors and talk to them. Better still, apply to join. Then you can practise what you preach.
JEAN REID
Vice Chairman
Board of Visitors
HM Prison Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments