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The Prison Release Timing Bill - Clause 1: Varying the date of release for vulnerable people by up to two eligible working days
02 December 2022
Lead MP
Simon Fell
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Simon Fell raised concerns about the prison release timing bill - clause 1: varying the date of release for vulnerable people by up to two eligible working days in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves an amendment allowing prison governors or equivalent officials to bring forward the release date of offenders who are at risk of reoffending due to Friday releases. He argues that this change will reduce the societal and individual costs of reoffending, as well as give vulnerable individuals more time to access necessary services like housing and healthcare.
Simon Fell
Con
Barrow and Furness
Supports the amendment by arguing that Friday releases put a strain on both prisoners and support services, leading to higher rates of reoffending. He cites statistics indicating that up to two thirds of people released without accommodation reoffend within a year. Fell emphasises the need for a 'fresh start' for those leaving prison and highlights the support from charities and former offenders.
Intervenes to ask why these principles have not been adhered to before, acknowledging that Fell's arguments are clear and obvious. He questions whether there is a particular emphasis on Friday releases due to their impact.
Anna Firth
Con
Southend West
Asks about the reasoning behind sentence calculation methods that lead to high volumes of Friday releases. Suggests that Fell's amendment aims to correct an unintended consequence and right an obvious wrong.
Shaun Bailey
Lab
West Bromwich West
Supports the Bill, emphasising its practical benefits for prisoners released on Fridays. Highlights the impact on youth offenders and older offenders who face significant challenges upon release. Discusses the importance of providing support services to ensure successful reintegration into society.
Mark Eastwood
Lab
Batley and Spen
Supports the Bill, highlighting its potential to reduce reoffending rates. Mentions personal experience of a friend who turned his life around after prison release on an appropriate day rather than Friday. Acknowledges statistics showing 40% reconviction rate and lack of employment opportunities for ex-offenders post-release. Emphasises the importance of access to support services and integration into society, citing charities like Switchback, Nacro, HTB Shelter, Mind, One in Four, Prison Fellowship, and Timpson. Points out that Friday releases can lead to homelessness and reduced access to support services over weekends.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
The hon. Member acknowledges the Government’s recognition of Labour's proposals for earlier release on Fridays, which was previously tabled as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 but not supported by the government then. She emphasises that releasing prisoners on a Friday leaves them unable to access necessary resettlement services due to reduced service availability over weekends. She cites examples of individuals who end up sleeping rough or struggling with drug addiction because they could not secure housing or medical support. Yasmin Qureshi also points out that around 400 people are released into homelessness each month, and only 30% of those in treatment services while incarcerated successfully transition to community-based care upon release.
Shaun Bailey
Lab
Harlesden
Mr. Bailey agrees with the hon. Member for Bolton South and Walkden's support for the Bill, stating that it is a common-sense measure to address issues faced by prisoners released on Fridays. He calls for an end to political back-and-forth and encourages all parties to focus on supporting the Bill.
Simon Baynes
Con
Wirral West
Supports the Bill and emphasises the importance of HMP Berwyn to his constituents. He notes that Friday releases reduce access to essential services, leading to higher reoffending rates. Cites a statistic indicating adult offenders released on Fridays from sentences under 12 months have a slightly higher reoffending rate within two weeks compared to other days.
Tom Randall
Con
Nottingham South
Speaks in support of the Bill, agreeing with its premise that Friday releases pose difficulties for prisoners due to limited access to services. Notes that this Bill complements other rehabilitation efforts such as employment advisory boards and highlights the importance of public protection while ensuring offenders can reintegrate smoothly.
Sally-Ann Hart
Lab
Hastings and Rye
She supports the bill, noting that one in three prisoners are released on a Friday, limiting their access to housing, healthcare, and benefits before the weekend. The bill would give governors discretion to release such inmates earlier to reduce reoffending rates. Hart cited statistics showing higher reoffending rates for those released on Fridays compared to other days.
Anna Firth
Con
Wansbeck
Firth supports the bill, emphasising its alignment with compassionate Conservative values. She highlights that releasing prisoners on a Friday often leads them back into their previous circumstances without proper support.
Jane Hunt
Con
King's Lynn and West Norfolk
Hunt supports the bill, citing the high cost of reoffending at £18.1 billion. She notes that early release can help reduce this cost and improve support for ex-offenders upon release.
Ben Everitt
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Supports the Bill due to its impact on reducing homelessness and reoffending. Highlights that in 2022, two-thirds of those released from prison were homeless upon release, leading to a higher likelihood of reoffending. Welcomes the Government’s new accommodation service aimed at supporting prison leavers.
James Grundy
Lab
Leigh
Compliments the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness on bringing forward this legislation, understanding the difficulties in accessing local authority services promptly and resolving complex issues efficiently.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Hinds supports the Bill, emphasising its potential to maintain public protection by ensuring custody leavers have better access to support and a higher chance of reintegration. He highlights that being released on Friday can be particularly problematic for those with multiple complex needs, such as drug dependency or mental health issues. Hinds also mentions the reduction in proven reoffending rates from 30.9% in 2009-10 to 25.6% in 2019-20 and the tangible progress made in tackling reoffending.
Nigel Evans
Con
Crewe and Nantwich
Congratulations to Simon Fell on achieving a milestone in the debate, acknowledging his efforts.
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