Canterbury Prison should be for local prisoners (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

Canterbury Prison should be for local prisoners

October 24, 2007 12:00 AM

Local Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to reverse its decision to make Canterbury prison for foreign prisoners only.

Prison is an important part of our justice system, both as a punishment and as a deterrent. It also offers the opportunity to reform prisoners so they can contribute to, and participate in, society on their release. As well as receiving education, prisoners need to be able to maintain contact with friends and family whilst serving their sentence to give them the best chance of not re-offending.

"Canterbury prison has housed local offenders for almost all of its existence. Without a local prison, it will be harder for prisoners in East Kent to maintain contact with their families. It is this contact with family and friends which can play an important part in transforming ex-offenders' lives. The Government is forcing families to travel further at greater costs to themselves in time and money. This will make it more difficult for them to play a supportive role in the future, at the potential cost of a family member's rehabilitation", said Guy Voizey, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Canterbury and Whitstable Liberal Democrats.

"It makes sense for the Government to establish "foreign prisoners only" prisons. But surely, if the plan is to deport these prisoners, wouldn't it be better for these prisons to be near airports?" asked Mr Voizey.