Why Do Prisons In Britain Be Tougher?

According to a recent survey carried out by the University of Portsmouth nearly two-thirds of prison officers working across Scotland believe life is too easy for prisoners. This shocking statistic raises the question, 'do prisons in Britain need to be tougher?' The argument is commonly debated in the media with evidence being presented to show that some offenders prefer to stay on the inside rather than face life outside. Numerous inmates across the country have admitted that conditions inside prisons are like that of holiday camps. Donal Kelleher, 37, an inmate at HMP Cardiff said that his en-suite accommodation was 'outstanding' and disclosed that he earns a ten pound a week wage which he chooses to spend on cigarettes, chocolate and other luxury goods. With satellite television and video games consoles on offer for a small weekly fee, it is argued that for those who spend most of their time on the streets, jail becomes a peaceful escape from their usual struggle for survival. In addition, there is a growing crisis in British prisons due to the increasing availability of illegal drugs. Inmates at Oakwood Prison in Staffordshire have said that drugs are easier to obtain than soap. The drugs are thought to enter prisons in a variety of ways including through visits, being thrown over walls and even through corrupt staff. Because of how …show more content…
He believes that opposed to making British prisons tougher, more money should be spent on rehabilitation. He made the point that 99% of prisoners will one day return to British communities. For this reason, he believes we should 'maximise the chances of people going straight when they come out.' He ended the speech saying that if he was successful in his plan to reform the British prison system it would deliver a lower reoffending rate which would protect the poorest who often bear the brunt of