tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184990032979540229.post620463340548749372..comments2023-10-25T09:49:43.089+01:00Comments on BEN'S PRISON BLOG - Lifer On The Loose: New, Old Broomprisonerbenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14923205052778958118noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184990032979540229.post-81070740361454324652010-05-28T18:38:05.955+01:002010-05-28T18:38:05.955+01:00The real issue is IF Ken can finally distance the ...The real issue is IF Ken can finally distance the government from the red tops and baying masses and finally bring a semblance of civility to the CJS. To put power back in the hands of the Judges that pass sentence without the failed sentencing guidelines to sway their hands. Perhaps then we will be able to see Judges not "forced" to sentence to imprisonment and our shameful prison population can be reduced.JasonUKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07204061700031705430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184990032979540229.post-21467990358776459652010-05-28T08:20:31.196+01:002010-05-28T08:20:31.196+01:00Over on our Facebook page there is a template lett...Over on our Facebook page there is a template letter for those who wish to use it, plus Ken Clarke's address. Charles has a point about the wasted taxpayer's money...<br />Ed.prisonerbenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14923205052778958118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184990032979540229.post-9244898571704432352010-05-27T23:14:28.257+01:002010-05-27T23:14:28.257+01:00Ken's a loose cannon and a (comparatively) fre...Ken's a loose cannon and a (comparatively) free thinker. But the mob speaks with a louder voice? No vote was ever won by someone taking a reasonable line on penal reform. The only real hope is in the moneysaving argument? Could be a good stalking horse?Charles Cowlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06757185376546920527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3184990032979540229.post-54122548051087818492010-05-27T22:12:28.499+01:002010-05-27T22:12:28.499+01:00I didn't vote conservative but I am actually v...I didn't vote conservative but I am actually very positive about Ken Clarke as Justice Minister. He was the last Home Secretary (before Howard) to refuse to be swayed by the indignant howls of the righteous mob, given fodder by the red tops. He has repeatedly called from an end to the rise in the prison population and for a more creative approach to criminal justice.<br /><br />I think he is an inspired choice for Justice Secretary and it is one area of the new administration I think can be genuinely progressive (although moving the Youth Justice Board away from a department focusing on child welfare was somewhat regressive).<br /><br />Ironically, the deficit may also work in our favour here - building more prisons is hardly a good use of public funds when such funds are stretched to the limit!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01734909230205175788noreply@blogger.com