HOME Secretary Michael Howard's wants to remove televisions from cells in a crackdown on prison perks.
Victims of crime, and many others, will undoubtedly welcome the decision to make life harsher behind bars. But the number of prisoners involved - some 2000 - makes the move seem little more than something to placate a public that sees crime and punishment as a major issue in the forthcoming General Election.
The BEN , with its tough stance on lawbreakers, is the last to advocate soft regimes in prisons. But Michael Howard's idea seems little more than a vote-catcher. However, we do draw the line on any suggestion of seeing jail roofs covered with satellite dishes! HOME Secretary Michael Howard wants to remove televisions from cells in a crackdown on prison perks.
Victims of crime, and many others, will undoubtedly welcome the decision to make life harsher behind bars. But the number of prisoners involved - some 2000 - makes the move seem little more than something to placate a public that sees crime and punishment as a major issue in the forthcoming General Election.
The BEN, with its tough stance on lawbreakers, is the last to advocate soft regimes in prisons. But Michael Howard's idea seems little more than a vote-catcher. However, we do draw the line on any suggestion of seeing jail roofs covered with satellite dishes!
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article