Howard League Blog

Last week, we shared the thoughts of our members in prison on the day-to-day issues behind bars that the government ought to focus on. This blogpost looks at what their responses tell us about wider issues, including the work of the probation service, maintaining family ties, and sentencing, particularly sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP). It closes with some reflections on the need for reform of the entire criminal justice system.  Read more

After the general election was called in May, we asked our members in prison what they thought the incoming government should prioritise, and any solutions they would suggest. Responses ranged from broad-stroke justice reforms, through to the daily mechanics of prison life. Insights such as these are at the centre of our work with politicians, the media, the judiciary, and the public.   Read more

We have heard a lot about prison overcrowding over recent weeks, not least because of the Howard League’s own efforts, but there is overcrowding in probation too. And that matters, because the probation service is going to be asked to do more in the future.  Read more

The announcement that there will be a general election on 4 July kickstarted a legislative ‘wash up’ process to deal with some of the laws being debated, before Parliament was dissolved. Some Bills were hurried through, but most ran out of time and were dropped.  One law that did receive Royal Assent was the Victims and Prisoners Act, which – among other reforms – contains measures around people in prison and particularly those serving IPP sentences who are in the community or on licence.   Read more

The Independent Monitoring Boards’ (IMBs) annual report, published yesterday, provides yet more evidence that the physical state of our prisons is getting worse.  Read more

As we enter Mental Health Awareness Week, we are reminded of the growing recognition of mental illness in our society. Unfortunately, this awareness has not translated into meaningful action for those behind bars, with nine out of ten people in prison suffering from at least one mental health problem.   Years ago, before I joined the Howard …  Read more

As we reflect on the first quarter of 2024, we turn again to the relentless endeavours of Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) in revealing the realities of life inside prison.   Read more

Today the Howard League launches a new campaign. We understand that the government is preparing to authorise the use of PAVA spray on children in prison. We are preparing to take whatever steps necessary to challenge it, including potential legal action – and we need your support.  Read more