Prisoners' Re-release on Fridays Bill - Clause 1: Discretionary power to bring forward release dates by up to two eligible working days for offenders due to be released on a Friday

Agrees with the necessity of the Bill, highlighting the importance of stable housing in ensuring that those leaving prison can reintegrate successfully into society and avoid falling back into criminal behavior.

Supports the Bill wholeheartedly, praising the work done by both his hon. Friend the Member for Workington and his hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness in introducing and guiding the bill through legislative process. Emphasises the importance of rehabilitation programmes within prisons and highlights the critical moment immediately after release when offenders are at high risk of reoffending due to lack of immediate support services on Fridays, which is particularly severe for women who are often imprisoned further from home. Cites that 80% of crime is committed by reoffenders costing £18 billion a year and supports ending Friday releases based on Nacro’s report stating it sets people up to fail.

Speaks in favour of the Bill, citing an estimated economic and social cost of £18.1 billion a year due to reoffending. Emphasises that chaotic experiences before or after custody, such as unstable accommodation or substance misuse, significantly increase the likelihood of reoffending. Highlights the importance of support services being readily available on weekdays over weekends for ex-offenders to avoid lapsing into criminal activity. Supports charities working with ex-offenders and the recommendation made by a panel in 2011 regarding release days.

Praises the Bill for tackling reoffending rates and supports the Government’s work in this area. Argues that releasing prisoners earlier than Friday or preceding bank holidays ensures they can access services, accommodation, employment and training vital for rehabilitation. Mentions partnerships with businesses to help train ex-offenders and offers jobs upon release. Welcomes progress on subsistence payments but notes concerns about public protection.

Supports the Bill for providing ex-offenders with opportunities to rebuild their lives when released. Highlights issues faced by prisoners released on Fridays due to early closing hours of support services and housing authorities, leading to homelessness or reoffending. Argues that releasing prisoners during weekdays allows them to access necessary services for a stable transition out of prison.

Supports the Bill as it provides help to reduce reoffending and helps people restart their lives. Criticises criminals in his constituency and calls for additional support services like CCTV and street lighting. Emphasises the importance of timely access to support services after release from prison, especially for those with drug or alcohol addiction issues.

Acknowledges cross-party support for the Bill. Highlights statistics showing that only 45% of people released from prison in 2021-22 had settled accommodation upon release, with over half becoming homeless or sleeping rough. Emphasises the importance of secure housing and continuity of drug treatment programmes post-release to prevent reoffending.

The Minister thanked Simon Fell for his work on the Bill and expressed support, highlighting its importance in addressing practical resettlement challenges faced by offenders released on Fridays or near holidays. He emphasised that the Bill aims to improve access to services and reduce reoffending rates, noting significant progress made by the government towards reducing the annual cost of reoffending and protecting public safety.

Intervened to support the Bill, noting that fewer children are being incarcerated today compared to 2010 and highlighting the practical challenges of releasing young offenders on Fridays due to distance from home. He emphasised the importance of access to services for those in custody.

Expressed gratitude for the support received during debates, including from fellow MPs and constituents. He highlighted the importance of addressing structural barriers faced by offenders on release and thanked Minister Damian Hinds for his support throughout the process.