Nacro responds to HMIP Independent Review of Progress at HMP Brixton

“The latest HMIP Independent Review of Progress at HMP Brixton once again exposes the dire state of our prison system. The high rates of violence and self-harm reported are unacceptable and continue to undermine the vital work of rehabilitation that should be taking place. 

The report underscores the fact that too many people in custody are being locked in their cells for most of the day, with little access to education, training, or support.  There are currently no offending behaviour programmes being delivered at HMP Brixton, which is concerning given that such programmes are designed to help people to tackle the root causes of their offending. In addition, approximately 30% of the prison population had no work or education at the time of HMIP’s visit. A lack of purposeful activity and the failure to prepare people adequately for release not only puts people in prison at risk of harm but also has longstanding repercussions for the communities that prison-leavers return to after custody.  

The evidence that prisons are at breaking point is overwhelming. We anticipate that the recommendations from the upcoming Sentencing Review will present a rare and long-overdue opportunity to radically reform our justice system in the best interests of people who come into contact with the system and their communities alike.”