Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Reoffending Rehabilitation in Prisons 2025-11-20

20 November 2025 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Andy Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andy Slaughter raised concerns about reoffending rehabilitation in prisons 2025-11-20 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Justice Committee found that approximately 80% of all offending is reoffending, highlighting a significant issue with prison rehabilitation.
  • Overcrowding, staffing shortages, and poor infrastructure are cited as major obstacles to effective rehabilitation in prisons.
  • Andy Slaughter stressed that legislative action alone will not bring about necessary changes; instead, HMPPS must improve conditions and services.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andy Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

The Justice Committee has found that around 80% of all offending is reoffending, indicating a serious issue with the current prison system's rehabilitation efforts. The committee report highlights overcrowding, staffing shortages, and poor infrastructure as major barriers to effective rehabilitation. It calls for improved training for prison staff, better access to education and purposeful activity, and urgent action on health and wellbeing services. Andy Slaughter emphasises that legislation alone will not deliver the necessary changes; instead, HMPPS must focus on delivering better conditions and services.

Other contributors (5)
  • Tessa Munt LD Wells and Mendip Hills

    Asks Andy Slaughter if he agrees that conditions in youth custody are completely unacceptable. Emphasises the need for an urgent action plan from the Government.

  • Warinder Juss Lab Wolverhampton West

    Supports reducing reoffending through rehabilitation to decrease prison overcrowding and court backlog. Criticises prisoners being forced to choose between basic needs and work/education, advocating for easier access to fresh air, showers, and hot meals.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Asks if protection against indoctrination by convicted terrorists is essential for rehabilitation.

  • Sarah Russell Lab Congleton

    Highlights the epidemic of violence against women and girls, emphasising that prisons should play a role in rehabilitation. Raises concern about missed opportunities due to insufficient rehabilitative work for remand prisoners who are released.

  • Vikki Slade LD Mid Dorset and North Poole

    Points out the high prevalence of neurodivergence among prisoners, particularly ADHD in young inmates. Criticises the delay in updating the neurodiversity action plan and urges for its immediate publication.

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