The Guardian view on early prisoner release: don’t lose sight of systemic reform | Editorial
Empathy is a strength in a prime minister but there is a risk of letting emotional urgency obscure the strategic view in policymaking There are no votes in leniency for...
By Editorial · The Guardian Opinion
Empathy is a strength in a prime minister but there is a risk of letting emotional urgency obscure the strategic view in policymaking There are no votes in leniency for criminals, which is why oppositions demand harsher penalties and ministers acquiesce. It is a policy ratchet that can keep turning as long as there are enough cells to accommodate those who are jailed. But spending on new prisons, or for that matter improving conditions in the dilapidated, overcrowded ones already in use, is also not a vote-winner. Most people can think of more deserving beneficiaries of public money than prisoners. Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here . Continue reading...