McArthur comments on embargoed HMIPS report

Responding to the embargoed annual report from HM Chief Inspector of Prisons which warns of major concerns over prisons regularly operating above their design capacity, antiquated Victorian prison establishments that breach human rights guidelines, and staff shortages, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"Scotland's prisons are not serving prisoners, prison staff or the wider community well.

"Far too many prisoners are on remand, violent assaults are commonplace and cells are bursting at the seams.

"When all of this is taken into account it is no wonder that the death rate in prisons trebled over last decade.

“If the government is serious about breaking the cycle of reoffending we need to see a properly-funded justice system that can deliver robust and credible community sentences where appropriate. We also need a modern prison estate that can strike a balance between punishing, rehabilitating and supporting; that is how we will reduce reoffending and make communities safer.”