Member

Yes, justice is about punishment and retribution, but let us be clear, it is not just about punishment. It is not just about building as many prisons as possible. Our focus in the justice system must also be on preventing further harm and supporting rehabilitation programmes to enable people to build a better life and help them to make the right choices. The suspended sentencing and community sentencing recommended by the amendment will help our courts to focus on what works. They will not only help to reduce prison overcrowding but provide an overall net benefit to our society. Community sentences allow offenders to access mental health or addiction support while continuing to maintain their lives, so that they can get rehabilitation and reintegrate back into society as responsible citizens. The financial case is equally compelling. Reoffending is estimated to cost over £18 billion every year, and it costs the taxpayer over £50,000 to imprison just one person for a single year. If we break the cycle, we can redirect those resources to our crucial public services.