Email to Shabana Mahmood

This is an email I have sent to the secretary of state for justice

 Dear MP Shabana Mahmood,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the comments made during the parliamentary session on May 22, 2025, particularly the assertion that "prisoners have Sky TV." This statement does not accurately reflect the reality of prison life and highlights a broader issue that I believe warrants attention.

As a discretionary life sentence prisoner who has served 35 years, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges within our prison system. While I appreciate the discussions surrounding the opening of more prisons, I must emphasize that the current facilities are already struggling due to a lack of experienced staff. The treatment of prisoners significantly influences their behavior; if they are treated with respect and dignity, they are more likely to respond positively. Conversely, when treated poorly, they may act out of desperation, akin to trapped animals.

The staffing issue is critical. Many of the personnel currently managing prisons are young and inexperienced, which can lead to a culture of bullying and dictation rather than rehabilitation. To address these challenges, I propose the following measures to enhance rehabilitation efforts:

1. Respectful Address: Upon entry into a prison, prisoners should be addressed by their first or preferred names, fostering a sense of dignity.
2. Minimum Wage: Implementing a minimum wage for prisoners would encourage responsibility, allowing them to save for their release, contribute to victim support, and invest in their future.
3. Financial Literacy: Providing opportunities for prisoners to open bank accounts, gain work experience, and learn to use the internet safely would be invaluable.
4. Substance Abuse Support: Upon entry, prisoners should be screened for drug and alcohol issues, with those in need directed to onsite rehabilitation centers.
5. Mental Health Screening: A thorough mental health assessment should be conducted, ensuring that those requiring additional support are placed in appropriate units or hospitals rather than being left to cope within the prison environment.

Furthermore, it is imperative that staff undergo mandatory mental health training. I have witnessed firsthand instances where staff have supplied prisoners with mental health issues razor blades to self-harm, which underscores the urgent need for better training and awareness.

I strongly believe that there should be a maximum term for discretionary life prisoners, similar to practices in other prisons around the world. I believe that implementing these changes could significantly improve the rehabilitation process and ultimately benefit society as a whole.

Rehabilitation encompasses various aspects such as recovery, improvement, adaptation, reconstruction, and redesign. However, it has become increasingly evident that these principles are not being effectively implemented in English prisons. A notable example is the recent decision by the House of Lords and Parliament, which allowed prisoners to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.) for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, this initiative has faced significant setbacks, as it has been proven ineffective, often exacerbating the issues faced by inmates rather than alleviating them. The subsequent ruling to abandon the horizon and kaizen approaches further highlights the systemic failures in addressing the needs of prisoners.

It is crucial for the government to recognize that group rehabilitation programs often do not yield the desired outcomes. For long-term inmates, such as those serving life sentences, the current system appears to prioritize financial gain over genuine rehabilitation. This perspective raises concerns about the treatment of inmates, who are often viewed as a source of revenue rather than individuals deserving of respect and support.

Moreover, the potential introduction of tasers for prison officers poses a significant risk. There is a legitimate concern that this could lead to an escalation of violence within the prison environment. Inmates may resort to creating their own weapons or acquiring them through illicit means, which could ultimately result in severe injuries or fatalities.

In light of these pressing issues, I urge the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire prison system before investing in new facilities or increasing staff numbers. It is imperative to adopt a more humane approach that prioritizes the dignity and rehabilitation of inmates.

As a point of reference, I recommend examining the practices at Halden Prison in Norway. This facility is renowned for its focus on rehabilitation and humane treatment of inmates, which has led to significantly lower recidivism rates. The design and operational philosophy of Halden Prison could serve as a valuable model for reforming the English prison system.

Thank you for considering this urgent plea for reform. I look forward to your response and hope for a constructive dialogue on this critical issue.

Thank you for considering these points, and I look forward to your response.

 Voiceforcons