... but cells could get own TV
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.Thousands of prisoners could get television sets in their cells as part of government proposals to lessen the risks of disorder in Britain's overcrowded jails.
The move sparked accusations from the Conservatives that the Government is reneging on its pre-election commitment to be tough on crime.
Ministers have asked Richard Tilt, director-general of the Prison Service, for proposals on extending the existing ad hoc provision of televisions to all 135 jails in England and Wales.
There are already 2,000 sets in some jails, principally Winchester and Garth, Lancashire, where governors have introduced their own local schemes for rewarding inmates' good behaviour. "We are looking at the possibilities of maybe expanding this," a Prison Service spokesman said.
James Clappison, Conservative Home Affairs spokesman, said: "We think prison conditions should be decent and austere and prisons should be a punishment. We think televisions in cells are not consistent with that. We think it's soft on criminals."
But the Learmont report, which followed the 1995 Parkhurst breakout, recommended television as a way to avoid potentially explosive situations in congested jails. About 200 prisoners are entering prisons each week and the total population stands at a record 63,000.
The proposal has been welcomed by the Prison Governors' Association as a much-needed incentive to good behaviour, although the Prison Service suggested that not all governors would necessarily be in favour.
Security and logistical considerations will also feature in the review. There are concerns that some prisoners might attempt to use the components of sets for unauthorised purposes, while some cells lack mains electricity to plug them in. Ministers are also expected to tread carefully because of the potential costs of a nationwide scheme, which could be several million pounds.
General Sir John Learmont said in his report that television in cells could provide a calming influence and a powerful incentive to good conduct. It could also be used for educational and communication.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments