Podcasts about howard league

This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some social media comments again, this time with the aim to dispel some myths surrounding prison. These comments are from a video of previous guest Nabil Abdul Rashid recalling his first moments being in prison. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful OrganisationsPrison Reform Trust (UK-Wide) – Campaigns for fairer, more effective penal systems and supports people in prison. https://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk Independent Monitoring Boards - Volunteer groups that monitor prisons and detention centers to ensure fair, humane treatment and report on daily life. https://imb.org.uk/ The Howard League for Penal Reform – Working for less crime, safer communities, and fewer people in prison. They aim to build more effective solutions to crime that provides justice to all and helps reduce reoffending. https://howardleague.org Shelter – Offers housing advice and support to those facing homelessness, helping with housing rights and advocacy. https://shelter.org.uk Mind (UK-wide) – Provides support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. https://www.mind.org.uk/ https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/publication_typeyear/annual-reports/ Contact us: If anything you've heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you'd just like to get in touch, please contact us.

Michael's debut novel, The Boyhood of Cain, has been praised by the Times, the Guardian, the New Yorker and Call Me By Your Name author André Aciman. In this episode we talk about the benefits of not knowing yourself, relentless productivity and the forms of knowledge contained in literature that can't be communicated by AI. Michael is also a non-fiction writer with work published in the Guardian, New Statesman, the Spectator, The White Review and Contrappasso magazine. His short fiction has been longlisted for the BBC National Short Story Prize and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, among others. Meanwhile, his book-length essay, Go the Way Your Blood Beats, a meditation on truth and desire, won the 2019 Stonewall Israel Fishman Award for Nonfiction (sponsored by the American Library Association).He is also the winner of the 2020 Hubert Butler Essay Prize and was shortlisted for the 2021 Observer/Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts. His essay, ‘Does a Silhouette Have a Shadow?', examining the relationship between mind and body through the lens of chronic illness, is published in anthology On Bodies. Previously he has worked for Just Detention International, a health and human rights organisation that seeks to end sexual abuse in all forms of detention. He served as a commissioner on the Howard League's Commission on sex in prisons – the first of its kind in the UK – which reported in 2015.Get the book here or at your local seller.

Do you think there are ways of reforming our prison service? That was the question that was discussed at a free event held on Wednesday 8th January at One Tree Books. The talk concentrated on the state of our prisons today, how to build an effective response to crime, and to reduce reoffending. Julie Butler speaks to Amy Dolley from the Howard League for Penal Reform See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Georgina Stylianou & Mike Williams. The trio discuss an open letter calling for an end to the bootcamp legislation and our lack of misinformation monitoring. Plus they nominate their politician of the year. Georgina Stylianou is Director of Government Relations firm BRG and host of political podcast Three Gals One Beehive Mike Williams is President of the Howard League and former President Labour Party

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Georgina Stylianou & Mike Williams. The trio discuss a building firm that claims to have shaved more than a year of the construction of a new development, and the joys of the sleeper train. Georgina Stylianou is Director of Government Relations firm BRG and host of political podcast Three Gals One Beehive Mike Williams is President of the Howard League and former President Labour Party

Does prison work? Clearly it protects us from people who've shown a willingness to harm fellow citizens; and it acts as a deterrent to people who might be thinking about committing a crime. It's less successful in rehabilitation of offenders though and Andrew Neilson from the Howard League for Penal Reform believes that in some cases more effective and lower cost alternatives are available. Surely half an hour listening to Agenda would be enough to soften the hardest of criminal hearts?

In this episode of Life After Prison, we're joined by Kate Fraser, Head of Practice at Women In Prison, an organisation dedicated to supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system. Kate shares her journey through the prison system and into this work, exploring the unique challenges women face within the system. Kate also shares her vision of what real, systemic change could look like for women in the justice system and why inclusive, trauma-informed approaches are key to creating lasting solutions. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, and helps make sure they continue to support Life After Prison. So it would be a massive help if you could fill out this form and let us know what you think. Thank you so much! Useful organisations: Women In Prison – Advocacy, housing support, and community programs for women affected by the justice system.  Crisis – Provides support and resources to end homelessness, including housing, education, and employment support.   Shelter – Offers housing advice and support to those facing homelessness, helping with housing rights and advocacy. Birth Companions – Supports pregnant women and mothers in prison and in the community, focusing on the well-being of mothers and their babies. Hibiscus Initiatives – Works with women in the justice system, particularly those from migrant and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds, offering support with resettlement and social integration.  Clean Break – A theatre company that works with women who have lived experience in the criminal justice system, offering training and community through arts and theatre. Anawim – Provides holistic support for women involved with the criminal justice system, helping with housing, mental health, and employment.   Together Women – Focuses on reducing female reoffending by providing tailored support services for women in the justice system across Northern England. Women's Aid – Local support resources for women affected by domestic abuse.    Find local support via Women's Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/womens-aid-directory/ The Howard League for Penal Reform – Working for less crime, safer communities, and fewer people in prison, with a focus on women and young people. Agenda – An alliance for women and girls at risk, advocating for systemic changes and offering resources on trauma and mental health.    Advance Charity – Provides support for women facing domestic abuse and those in contact with the criminal justice system. Contact us:   If anything you've heard in this podcast has inspired you to make a positive change in your life, or you'd just like to get in touch, please contact us.  

In the latest episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen are joined by Lord Burnett of Maldon, the former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, to talk about punishment and the British addiction to prison. As one of five co-authors of a significant report on the subject (published by the Howard League in September) Lord Burnett shares his insights on the need for change in our approach to sentencing, the challenges within our overcrowded prisons, and the societal implications of the current punitive system. Together, the trio explore key questions such as why prison sentences have doubled in length over the past 50 years, whether longer sentences truly reduce crime, and the impact of political decision-making on our justice system. Ken and Tim also turn their attention to the damning allegations surrounding the late Mohamed Al-Fayed and the wider implications this case holds for the criminal justice system. This major scandal is just beginning.

Social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are facing charges in Romania of human trafficking and organised crime. If found guilty, they could be jailed for more than 10 years. They strongly deny the charges against them. Now, two British women not involved with the Romanian case, have given detailed first-hand accounts to the BBC, against Andrew Tate, of alleged rape and sexual violence. The allegations date back at least 10 years, to when Mr Tate was living in Luton. BBC Panorama reporter Ruth Clegg joins Nuala McGovern to discuss. Tracy-Ann Oberman has reprised her role as Eastenders' Chrissie Watts. She talks to Nuala about stepping back into this character after almost two decades, and her recent adaptation of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. In it, Tracy-Ann plays a female version of the Jewish character, Shylock, and sets the action in 1930s London during the rise of Oswald Mosley, the antisemitic founder of the British Union of Fascists.Around 1,700 prisoners will be freed tomorrow when the government's new early release scheme, SDS40, comes in to effect. We look at both the impact that this scheme will have on women who have been the victims of crime and the experiences of women in prison. Nuala speaks to Andrea Coomber KC, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform which campaigns for prison reform.Rebecca Middleton was in her late 30s when she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. It is a condition that's believed to be more common in women than men and in Rebecca's case it was hereditary – she lost her grandmother and mother to the condition, which is what led to her own genetic testing. Rebecca has since had successful surgery to remove the aneurysm and has also created the charity, Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support to help other people going through it. In Paris, pouring rain and exploding fireworks ended the Paralympics last night with drenched, dancing Paralympians. Nuala is joined by Paralympian turned broadcaster, Rachael Latham to talk about the standouts, surprises and legacy of the Games.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Maryam Maruf Studio Manager: Bob Nettles

Within days of winning the general election, Keir Starmer has had to respond to what is undoubtedly a crisis – perhaps even an emergency – in prisons across England and Wales.  The equation is a simple one. Too many prisoners, not enough prison places. More prisons are being planned. But even this won't keep track of the expected rise in prisoner numbers. So how on earth was this allowed to happen? Who is to blame?And has the Labour government come up with a sensible plan to fix the problem – or just a short term sticking plaster? Ken Macdonald, crossbench peer, former Director of Public Prosecutions and president of the Howard League for Penal Reform, joins Anand and Hannah to examine one of the biggest headaches facing the new government. Produced by Milo Hynes. -------- THE EXPERT FACTOR: Each week the directors of three leading and respected think tanks – Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Hannah White of the Institute for Government, and Anand Menon of UK in a Changing Europe – get together to discuss, explore and explain the big questions and policy challenges that will be faced by the Labour government, dominate debate in Westminster and beyond, and shape the political landscape for years to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode of the Law Down Under Podcast, we interview former lawyer and current member of Parliament, Dr Duncan Webb.  Duncan has served as the MP for Christchurch Central since 2017.  As a former insurance lawyer and Professor of Law, Duncan has also worked for the Public Interest Project, which seeks to free innocent people from jail, and the Howard League, an organisation that advocates for prison reform. Duncan serves as the Deputy Shadow Leader of the House, a Member of the Justice Committee, and the Co-Chairperson of the New Zealand, Middle East and Africa Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.  He is also the Labour Party Spokesperson for Christchurch Issues, Justice, the Earthquake Commission, and Regulation. In this episode, we discuss Duncan's bill, “The Insurance Contracts Bill,” which was drawn from the members' ballot bill biscuit tin in Parliament.  Duncan's bill aims to modernize insurance laws in New Zealand, making insurance contracts fairer and clearer for consumers.  We talk with Duncan about how the bill rectifies several issues in our existing insurance law framework and brings much-needed reform to the industry.  I hope you enjoy this episode with the Hon Dr Duncan Webb.

Following a Court of Appeal ruling this week about a case referred to the senior judges by the Attorney General, those charged with criminal damage for actions like throwing red paint at a building as a protest, can no longer use a certain defence to be acquitted. Parliament had intended the defence for different circumstances. Protesters used to be able to claim that had the owners of the damaged property known of the reasons for the damage, such as to highlight climate change, they'd have agreed to it. The Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP speaks exclusively to Joshua Rozenberg about what this victory means. Prisons are almost full, and to help make room, the Justice Secretary Alex Chalk KC MP has announced that prisoners meeting certain criteria can be released up to two months early. Prison campaigners must be pleased, or are they? Andrea Coomber KC (hon), chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, has a more mixed reaction. How are prisons in England and Wales dealing with inmates with severe mental health needs? Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB), which are often called the eyes and ears of the public in prison, believe that too often prisons rely upon tough segregation units to manage inmates with mental health needs. IMB volunteers share their observations, and Elisabeth Davies, IMB National Chair, calls for a faster transfer to secure hospital units instead. Awaab Ishak was aged just two when he died as a direct result of exposure to mould in the home his family rented from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. The coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report as a result, but it was only following a campaign by Awaab's parents and others that the law was changed. Awaab's Law, as it's being called, will specify the timeframes within which social landlords have to respond to complaints of mould. We hear from barrister Christian Weaver of Garden Court North, who represented Awaab's family.Presenter: Joshua Rozenberg Producer: Arlene Gregorius Researcher: Diane Richardson Editor: Clare Fordham Production coordinator: Katie Morrison

Host Aggie Chambre explores the crisis in Britain's prison system and asks what can be done to fix it. She goes inside a prison riddled with drugs and violence, and hears from the governor and from long-serving inmates about what's really going on. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk sets out his plan to overhaul the sector, and why he believes part of the answer is to stop handing out jail terms for less serious crimes. Former Tory leader Michael Howard relives his famous "prison works" speech of 1993 and considers whether he would make the same speech again today. Aggie meets Charlie Taylor, Britain's chief inspector of prisons. He tells her of the harrowing scenes he has witnessed in prisons around the U.K. this past year.And the Howard League's Andrea Coomber, a prison reform campaigner, calls for politicians to be brave in explaining to the public that prison does not work the way they think it does. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The IPP sentence has created a sense of hopelessness amongst prisoners, leading to poor mental health, self-harm and numerous suicides, so we are ending this series by asking ‘what does hope look like' for IPP serving prisoners? Sam asks this question to some of the many people who are campaigning to bring an end to this grievous injustice: including Andrea Coomber, from the Howard League for Penal Reform; Richard Garside from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies; Simon Hattenstone from the Guardian and Elisabeth Davies from the Independent Monitoring Boards. We also hear from Frank, an IPP serving prisoner, who has been inside for 15 years and counting, on a two-and-a-half-year tariff. Get in touch on X, TikTok, Facebook or Instagram @Trapped_PodFor more info about UNGRIPP visit: www.ungripp.com / @UNGRIPPww.ippcommitteeinaction.com / X @ActionIPPContributors in order of appearance:Frank, IPP serving prisonerLord David BlunkettAndrea Coomber, Chief Executive, The Howard League for Penal ReformHank Rossi, campaigner and activistSimon Hattenstone, Journalist, The GuardianRichard Garside, Director of Centre for Crime and Justice StudiesElizabeth Davies, National Chair of the Independent Monitoring BoardsLorna Hackett, Barrister at Hackett and Dabbs LLP and a tenant at Millennium ChambersAlexander Horne, Barrister and visiting Professor at Durham UniversityVoices in Archive:Edward Argar MP, Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and ProbationSir Bob Neil MP, Chair of the Justice Select CommitteeKevin Brennan MP, Shadow Minister for Victims and SentencingJohn Mcdonnell MPDr Alice Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on TortureCredits:Reporter: Samantha Asumadu @SamanthaAsumaduExecutive Producer: Melissa FitzGerald @melissafitzgProducer: Steve Langridge @SMLANGERSConsultant: Hank RossiA Zinc Media Production for the Institute of Now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Gauke, former Justice Secretary, Victoria Gethin, head of family law at Stephensons, Rob Preece from the Howard League for Penal Reform, and Richard Atkinson, vice president of the Law Society, join PoliticsHome's Alain Tolhurst to discuss the crisis in the UK's justice system, with huge backlogs in crown and civil courts, a chronic lack of lawyers and judges, along with overcrowded and under-staffed prisons. Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot, edited by Laura Silver

What are IPPs sentences and why are they so destructive? It's the 27th of April 2023. We join reporter Sam Asumadu as she takes us back to the time when she first heard about IPPs (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentences during a meeting with Shirley Debono, who's been campaigning for justice for IPPs since her son Shaun received an IPP sentence for a street robbery without violence. He was given a two-and-a-half-year tariff back in 2005, and he's still serving the sentence, nearly 18 years later. There are currently 2,916 people trapped in prison on an IPP sentence. They are 'ghost prisoners': none of them know when they are getting out or whether their IPP sentence could mean life in prison. Sam speaks to Lord Blunkett, who introduced the IPP sentence back in 2005 when he was Home Secretary, he tells her it's a decision he now regrets. Sam follows Shirley and other IPP campaigners as they attend a debate in Westminster Hall, called by Sir Bob Neill to address the Government's response to the Justice Select Committee's report on IPP sentences, which was delivered in February 2023. The campaigners are hopeful that the government will reverse their rejection of the Justice Committee's recommendation to resentence all prisoners serving an IPP sentence. Sam also speaks to Clara White, whose brother Thomas has been imprisoned on an IPP sentence since 2012 after receiving a 2-year tariff for stealing a mobile phone. Thomas's story is highlighted by James Daley MP at the Westminster Hall Debate as evidence of the harm IPP sentences do to prisoners and their families. Get in touch on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram @Trapped_Pod For more info about the Campaign for Justice for IPPs prisoners: UNGRIPP www.ungripp.com/ Twitter @UNGRIPP Contributors in order of appearance: Shirley Debono, Campaigner and mother of Shaun Lloyd, who is serving an IPP.Dr. Jo Shingler, Forensic Psychologist @ShinglerJoAlana Bell, Sister of IPP serving prisoner, Wayne BellHank Rossi, IPP Activist.Lord Blunkett, Labour peerLord Moylan, Conservative peerMark Day, Prison Reform Trust @PRTukSir Bob Neill MP, Chair of the Justice Select CommitteeJames Daly, Conservative MPClara White, Campaigner and sister of IPP serving prisoner, Thomas White.Thomas White, Prisoner serving an IPP.Dean Kingham, Solicitor, lawyer to Thomas WhiteAndrea Coomber, The Howard League for Penal Reform @TheHowardLeagueBishop Mick Fleming, Church on the StreetProduction Team:Reporter: Samantha Asumadu @SamanthaAsumaduExecutive Producer: Melissa FitzGerald @melissafitzgProducer: Steve Langridge @SMLANGERSConsultant: Hank RossiA Zinc Media Production for The Institute of Now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Traders in Ashford are worried the closure of a car park could lead to anti-social behaviour.The Park Mall site has been shut for essential maintenance, but council bosses have revealed it's impossible to say when it will reopen.Hear from people who work in the town.Also in today's podcast, a report's found the Met Police could be missing murders because they still hasn't learned lessons after mistakes in catching serial killer Stephen Port.He's serving a life sentence for drugging and killing four men - including 21-year-old Daniel Whitworth from Gravesend.There are calls for immediate action to improve conditions at a Young Offender Institution in Kent after an inspection found a quarter of boys in solitary confinement.Cookham Wood was visited earlier this month and a damning report out today has revealed how two teenagers had been kept on their own for more than 100 days. Hear from the Chief Inspector of Prisons, plus we have reaction from the Howard League for Penal Reform.We're being urged to take our cyber safety seriously - as part of Stalking Awareness Week.A charity set up following the death of Clare Burnal from Tunbridge Wells, who was killed by her stalker-ex, is urging young people in particular to know the signs.Bosses at a north Kent company who feared they were 'one flood away from going under' are now confident their future is secure.Over the past five years, staff at Dartford Composites were regularly having to clear water every time it rained.We've got details of everything going on in Kent this bank holiday weekend.And in sport, hear from the Gillingham manager and defender Cheye Alexander ahead of their final home game of the season against Newport County.  

This special episode features a discussion centred around our research for the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms, which was launched by the the Howard League for Penal Reform.  Justine and I join Steven, from Betknowmore, to summarise and reflect on the findings from our report.  We talk about the recommendations and the way forward, as we work together to reduce harms in prison. Please check out our report here: https://howardleague.org/publications/exploring-gambling-and-its-role-within-prison-culture-you-can-be-flying-high-then-fighting/: https://howardleague.org/publications/exploring-gambling-and-its-role-within-prison-culture-you-can-be-flying-high-then-fighting/ And get in touch with us via our website: www.penalreformsolutions.com or sarah@penalreformsolutions.

At least 59 migrants, including 33 women and 12 children, have died and dozens more are feared missing after their boat sank in rough seas off southern Italy. The vessel broke apart while trying to land near Crotone on Sunday. A baby was among the dead, Italian officials said. Bodies were recovered from the beach at a nearby seaside resort in the Calabria region. Nuala speaks to Caroline Davis, BBC Pakistan Correspondent and Annalisa Camilli, journalist for Internazionale magazine in Rome. A new report from the Howard League of Penal Reform looks at the links between women, gambling and crime. They say women are being let down by a lack of awareness and action to tackle the problem by police, probation and prisons - leaving them without the support they need. Dr Julie Trebilcock, senior Lecturer in Criminology at Brunel University London, and one of the researchers on the project, joins Nuala, along with Tracey whose gambling addiction resulted in a 13 month prison sentence. We speak to author Sara Barnes, about the challenge she set herself to mark her sixtieth birthday, sixty swims with sixty different people. Today the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act comes into effect, raising the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales which means 16 and 17-year-olds will no longer be able to marry or enter a civil partnership under any circumstances, including with parental or judicial consent. It's what campaigners against child marriage have worked towards for many years. We thought it would be interesting on this day of change in the marriage laws in England and Wales, to look back at the experiences of some of you who got married willingly at 16. Nuala talks to listeners Judith and Jeanette. The Taliban's severe restrictions on women's rights in the country are having a negative impact on the already struggling economy. That's the conclusion of a study by the International Crisis Group – an independent organisation that works on conflict and policy. Since women were barred from university education and work in offices, including NGO's, cuts to foreign donor funds have become more likely, as many western politicians fear their voters will not accept the idea of their taxes helping a country ruled by the Taliban. Nuala is joined now by the BBC's Zarghuna Kargar.

Ken Macdonald and Tim Owen discuss prison, parole and a relentless punishment arms race with Andrea Coomber KC, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform.

Join Imran Akram and Talib Man for Monday's show from 4-6 pm where we will be discussing: "Prison" and "Suicide Loss" Prisons Statistics have shown that people coming out of prison often re-offend and go back to prison. Listen in as we discuss what may be the cause for this and if the focus on prisoners needs to shift more to rehabilitation. Suicide Loss International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day promotes coming together and supporting the survivors of this traumatic event. Join us as we discuss the profound grief the survivors go through and what brings them comfort and hope through this tragedy. GUESTS: Cat Gambetta (Prison Consultant for Reform and Rebuild) Rob Preece (Communications Manager for the Howard League for Penal Reform) Andrew Airey (One of 3 Dads Walking, suicide loss survivor) Suzy Clifford (Service Manager at Hoper After Suicide Loss) Sarah Gaer (Suicide Prevention Specialist, Clinician, Trauma) PRODUCERS: Kafi Zafar, Farhana Khan and Syeda Tahdia Hasan

A mural spray painted on the side of a house in Margate has been branded an 'eyesore'. The artwork has been created as part of a trail around the town raising awareness of plastic pollution in the oceans. But neighbours aren't happy. Also in today's podcast, the home secretary has delivered her big speech at the Tory party conference. Suella Braverman explained how she planned to stop asylum seekers from crossing the Channel to Kent in small boats. We've got reaction. A report's warned staffing at a prison on Sheppey has reached "crisis point". Inspectors went to HMP Swaleside in July and found officers were exhausted, under pressure, and on the brink of resignation. We've been speaking to the Howard League for Penal Reform. The Bishop of Dover has apologised on behalf of the church after a major report into allegations of abuse was published. There haven't been any trains running in Kent today as another strike has been taking place. Drivers are walking out as part of an ongoing dispute over pay. Hear from the Aslef union. And there was another win for Gillingham last night - this time in the EFL Trophy. We've got reaction from goal scorer Lewis Walker and the assistant manager.

There are calls for safety improvements on a road in Thanet after it was revealed almost 50 people have been hit by cars. Northdown Road runs through the centre of Cliftonville and people living nearby want the speed limit reduced to 20 miles-per-hour. Also in today's podcast, we have reaction after Prime Minister Boris Johnson narrowly won a confidence vote. More than a third of Conservative MPs wanted him out of the job. Hear from North Thanet's Sir Roger Gale and our political editor Paul Francis. A report seen by the KentOnline Podcast has again raised concerns about levels of violence in a youth jail in Kent. We've got reaction from the Howard League for Penal Reform. Hear from the incredible children who helped save their dad's life after he suffered a cardiac arrest at the wheel of his car. They've now been given bravery awards as he continues to recover. And find out who's signed a pro deal at Gillingham plus hear from tennis star Emma Raducanu as she gets her grass court season under way.  

Lynn discusses the project with Darius Fagan, General Manager for Case Management and Probation at the Department of Correction and Mike Williams, chief executive of the Howard League.

The U.K. government's Prisons Strategy White Paper promises the biggest prison-building programme in more than 100 years. But is enough being done to reform and rehabilitate prisoners? Andrew Neilson from The Howard League says he is concerned the prison population is set to jump by almost a quarter over the next five years. Kate Fraser from Women in Prison discusses why the system so often fails women in custody. Plus: Policy Exchange Senior Fellow and former HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke tells Bloomberg Westminster's Yuan Potts and Caroline Hepker many prisons are just not fit for purpose. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

A leading charity is calling for a youth jail in Kent to be closed following a damning report by inspectors. They found levels of violence at Cookham Wood Young Offender Institution in Rochester had increased since their previous visit in 2019. A report out today also revealed how boys were being kept locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day. Hear more on the inspector's findings plus reaction from the Howard League for Penal Reform. We have also been asking if you think youth jails are the right place for young offenders - find out what some of you have had to say. Also in today's podcast, there's been another drop in the number of people out of work in Kent, despite the furlough scheme ending. New figures show 51,100 people were claiming unemployment benefits in the county last month. A specialist clinic's opening in Kent to help severely obese children, and young people who are struggling with their weight. It's one of 15 sites across England as part of a pilot programme, and will offer things like diet plans, coaching and mental health support. We've got reaction from Ashford GP Dr Jack Jacobs plus your thoughts. Find out how undercover vehicles known as 'supercabs' are being used to try and reduce the number of crashes on the M25 in Kent. Our colleagues from KMTV have been out on patrol with police to see them in action. And you can hear from the Gillingham manager ahead of tonight's FA Cup first round replay.

A Sittingbourne teenager will go on trial next January accused of trying to murder a 16-year-old girl with a physical disability   Also on today's podcast, the number of children being arrested by Kent Police has fallen by 76 per-cent over the last decade. We speak to Andrew Neilson from The Howard League for Penal Reform.   People living near a cliff that collapsed on the Isle of Sheppey say they'll keep trying to fix the problem themselves, despite being warned to stop.   And hear from Olly Murs ahead of his show at The Hop Farm next month.

The pandemic has put the justice system in England and Wales into crisis, with a massive backlog in court cases, prisons are clogged and high risk for Covid, and police saying they do not have the resources for the increasing demands being placed on them. Frances Crook, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform tells Bloomberg Westminster's Yuan Potts and Roger Hearing the prison system is under huge pressure, much of it dating from before Covid, but the arrival of fewer prisoners now could offer an opportunity to ease that pressure. Alex Mayes from the charity Victim Support joins to discuss the frustration of those facing long backlogs in court cases and unable to get justice or move on with their lives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In this informal and wide ranging conversation Shadd explains what is meant by desistance and how this is distinguished from the term rehabilitation. With great warmth he thinks about the importance of listening, whether as a mentor or mentee and givies his assessment of the structure of forensic psychology Shadd Maruna is Professor of Criminology at Queen's University Belfast and a member of the Correctional Services Accreditation and Advice Panel.  He has previously held the post of Dean of Rutger's School of Criminal Justice in the USA and worked at Cambridge and Manchester Universities.    His research focuses on desistance and the implications for reintegration into society after imprisonment.  In 2001, his book, “Making Good: How ex-convicts reform and rebuild their lives” was named as outstanding contribution to Criminology in 2001.    He has since authored or edited 6 other books and has won the Hans Mattick Award for distinguished contribution to criminology in 2014 and the inaugural research medal from the Howard League for Penal Reform in 2012 for his research's impact on real world practice.    He has been a SOROS Justice fellow, a Fulbright Scholar and a Guggenheim Fellow.  He has also been involved in several Learning Together partnerships between prisons and universities and is an advisor to several organisations that advocate for rights for people who've previously been imprisoned. Shadd was a long term friend and colleague of Hans Toch, Austrian American social psychologist and criminologist.  Shadd said Hans 'was my mentor for my whole professional career. And my role model as a scholar. He lived a great life.  To 91. He called em like he saw em and he wasn't afraid.' As Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany, New York Professor Toch had an enormous influence on numerous people in the criminal justice field over many years. We are just receiving news of his recent death and will post when we know more.  

Joining the Weekend Panel this morning are Mike Williams and Lavina Good. They discuss NZ Rugby's alternative to the Silver Lakes deal, the police position on speed tolerance, and the possibility of Jacinda Ardern taking over at the UN. 

Joining the Weekend Panel this morning are Mike Williams and Lavina Good. They discuss NZ Rugby's alternative to the Silver Lakes deal, the police position on speed tolerance, and the possibility of Jacinda Ardern taking over at the UN. 

Luke Jones speaks to; Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Prison Reform, former prisoner Andrew Morris and the national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association Mark Fairhurst on how prisons have been during the pandemic.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester give their take on the day's news. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Richard Oerton is a lawyer and author.  His legal career involved working in private practice, in legal publishing, at the Law Commission, in the Treasury, and as a consultant with Solicitors and Parliamentary Agents in Westminster, the political centre of the UK. He's been a member of the Howard League for Penal Reform for well over half a century and has agitated against capital punishment and for the legalisation of homosexual behaviour.  In addition to legal textbooks, he is the author of two wonderful books on the topic of free will; The Nonsense of Free Will and The Cruelty of Free Will. Today we talk about why free will is both a false idea and a harmful one.  We kept the conversation short and to the point and I’ve added 10 minutes of my own reflections at the end.

A free driving programme for offenders has ambitions to start instructing prisoners on how to get a driving licence. For now, the programme run by charity the Howard League helps people on the outside get a driver's licence - parolees, those on probation, or people on home detention and community service. The organisation celebrated its success in west Auckland today, where they've helped 700 people. Chen Liu was there.

An academic and former Wellington Howard League president, says for prisons to become more humane places the public must demand change. The ombudsman paid a surprise visit to Auckland Prison and identified a culture of containment rather than rehabilitation. Judge Peter Boshier's report details cruel treatment of inmates who are being locked in their cells at Auckland Prison for up to 23 hours at a time. Some were being held in solitary confinement for over a year, in breach of UN rules. Christine McCarthy told reporter Conan Young she's not surprised by the findings.

Mike Williams of the Howard League for Penal Reform shares his thoughts with The Panel.

Professor Neil Chakraborti chats to Omar about his career in Criminology and Hate Crime Studies. They discuss recent 'trigger events' that have caused increases in hate crimes and the intersection between academic study and real-world impact: how universities can work more closely with practitioners. Neil's new book, co-authored with Stevie-Jade Hardy Blood, Threats and Fears: The Hidden Worlds of Hate Crime Victims is also discussed as an example of working in an accessible way. Neil Chakraborti is a Professor of Criminology, Head of School and Director of the Centre for Hate Studies at the University of Leicester. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications within the field of hate crime and has been commissioned by numerous funding bodies to lead research studies which have shaped hate crime policy and scholarship. He is series editor of Palgrave Hate Studies; Chair of the Research Advisory Group at the Howard League for Penal Reform; and sits on the Advisory Boards of Tell MAMA, the International Network for Hate Studies and the British Society of Criminology Hate Crime Network. Prof. Neil Chakraborti | @NeilChakraborti | University of Leicester | Centre for Hate Studies Omar Phoenix Khan | @OmarPKhan | @Justice_Focus | https://www.justicefocus.org/

This season we raised $750 for 10 truly fantastic organizations. In this episode, we're discuss all of the charities contestants played for in Season 1. Check out the links below to learn more! (I ALSO ANNOUNCE THE SEASON 2 START DATE AT THE END)   RAICES https://www.raicestexas.org/ LGBTQ Center of Cleveland https://lgbtcleveland.org/ The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ ACLU https://www.aclu.org/ City Harvest https://www.cityharvest.org/ North Brooklyn Angels https://www.northbrooklynangels.org/ Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary - https://ofsds.org/ UNICEF https://www.love-myself.org/eng/home/ Never Again Action - https://www.neveragainaction.com/ The Black Trans Protestors emergency fund - https://www.artsbusinesscollaborative.org/asp-products/black-trans-protestors-emergency-fund/ Black Movement Law Project https://bmlp.org/ NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund https://www.naacpldf.org/ The Howard League https://howardleague.org/ Women for Refugee Women https://www.refugeewomen.co.uk/ BEAM https://www.beam.community/ Asata’s Daughters https://www.assatasdaughters.org/ Chicago Freedom School https://chicagofreedomschool.org/ The Jeremy Fund https://thejeremyfund.org/ Houston Food Bank https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/houston-food-bank The Black Women’s Health Imperative https://bwhi.org/ Blessings in a Backpack https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/

The mental health charity, Mind is calling for the government to publish their White Paper on the Mental Health Act. They have been pushing for reforms so that fewer black people who are disproportionately represented, are sectioned and those that are sectioned treated with more dignity. So why is it that despite being among the top demographics to be diagnosed and four times more likely to be sectioned, the therapeutic space isn’t tailored towards black communities, and black women and girls in particular are left hanging in the balance? Jenni is joined by Sophie Corlett of Mind, producer Tobi Kyeremateng, the psychotherapist Dawn Estefan and Jahnine Davis a PhD researcher and Co-founder of Listen Up Research Company. The size of women’s pension pots appears to have fallen three times as much as men’s during the Coronavirus pandemic according to Profile Pensions, an impartial pensions advisor. Why is this and what can women do to ensure they have enough to live on when they retire? Jenni speaks to Baroness Ros Altmann, former Pensions Minister and to Romi Savova, Founder and Chief Executive of PensionBee. Natasha Gregson Wagner is the daughter of the American actress Natalie Wood, who began her career in film as a child actor and successfully transitioned to young adult roles. She was the recipient of four Golden Globes, and received three Academy Award nominations, and is best remembered for films including Splendour in the Grass, West Side Story and Gypsy. Natalie died suddenly by drowning off Catalina Island at the age of 43. Natasha has now produced a documentary and written the memoir More Than Love, An Intimate Portrait of My Mother, in which she describes their relationship and coming to terms with her grief, amid rumours and tabloid speculation surrounding her mother’s death. And a new report by The Howard League for Penal Reform is calling for major changes in the way that the courts make decisions about remanding women to prison in England and Wales. This is an area of the criminal justice system that they say has been overlooked. Jenni is joined by Dr Miranda Bevan, policy associate at the Howard League for Penal Reform and Val Castell, Chair of the Magistrates Association’s Adult Court Committee.

Leicestershire Cares' latest care experienced podcast, Fostering a New Approach, explores the issues surrounding care experienced young people and the criminal justice system. This episode Casey and Diana are joined by Dr Claire Fitzpatrick, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and the Youth Justice Lead in the Centre for Child & Family Justice Research, at Lancaster University.This is a massive and complex topic that will take more than today's show to unpack, and in future episodes we hope to speak to a range of people involved, from young people with experiences of the criminal justice system, to the people that work within it.Most children in care do not commit crime, however there is an over-representation of care leavers in the criminal justice system.Less than 1% of the population have been in the care system, yet a recent review chaired by Lord Laming reports that about 50% of children in custody have been in care.So why is this? Is it because we are damaged or have complex needs that have not been met? Is it because we've been let down by family and then by the state?Or is it more subtle than that? Hidden in the wider systemic problems that exist and affect care experienced young people?Main talking pointsCare experienced young people are under more surveillance compared to their peers.Unnecessary criminalisation of some children in care for minor offences.Changing the narrative from blaming the individual to blaming the systems.Do I offend to get better access to mental health support? The justice setting compared to the community setting.The risk level score. A classification given to care experienced young people. Is it better to elevate the score, so a young person can access higher level of support quicker, but, have live with that risk score hanging over their head?A failings care system and criminal justice system which creates a revolving door. Is this down to the lack of support in society?Diversion is the key.A post code lottery with the support you may get from your local authority.Podcast InformationFind out more about Dr Claire Fitzpatrick and her researchDisrupting the Routes between Care and Custody: Learning from Girls and Women in the Care and Criminal Justice SystemsSocial media: Twitter@CJJFitzpatrick@CareCustody@_caseyarmstrong@DianaOmokore@LeicsCaresResearch for this podcast:The Conversation. Why have so many people in prison spent time in care as children?Howard League for Penal Reform. The impact of care-experience across the life-courseHoward League for Penal Reform. Criminal Care?Gov.UK. Care leavers in prison and probationPrison Reform Trust: Keeping children in care out of trouble: an independent reviewSampson, Robert J. and John H. Laub. 2016. "Turning Points and the Future of Life-Course Criminology: Reflections on the 1986 Criminal Careers Report." Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 53: 321-335. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0022427815616992 Get involved in the podcastIf you have a questions for Casey and Diana to discuss on their podcast, tweet them at @LeicsCares #CEYPPODCAST or email jacob@leicestershirecares.co.ukFor more information about our Voices project contact jacob@leicestershirecares.co.ukFind out how we work with care experienced young people

Mike Williams, former Labour party president and CEO of the Howard League, spoke to The Panel.

In these two public webinars from the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, the panels explore the enormous additional pressures that the pandemic has imposed on the criminal justice system. In this second webinar we look at the current conditions in English prisons and explore why more has not been done for those in custody throughout the pandemic. At the beginning of April, the government announced plans for the early release of up to 4,000 prisoners in England and Wales, to reduce prison overcrowding and to slow the rate of infection among prisoners and staff. The Prison Governors Association and Public Health England argued that releasing 10,000 - 15,000 prisoners was needed. By late April, though, a mere 33 prisoners had been released. What went wrong? What has happened throughout May? What have been the implications for the welfare/health/progression of both prisoners and staff? What are the lessons to be learnt now, and for the future - within the prison and probation systems? Discussing the issues: Chair: Nicky Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice Nicky is joined by a panel of experts: - Andrea Albutt (President, Prison Governors Association); - Richard Garside (Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies); - Laura Janes (Legal Director, Howard League for Penal Reform); - (Retired) Judge John Samuels QC (ex-Parole Board and President, Prisoners' Education Trust); and - Jessie Smith (Cambridge PhD candidate in Law, solicitor, formerly specialising in national security). This entry provides an audio source.

In these two public webinars from the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, the panels explore the enormous additional pressures that the pandemic has imposed on the criminal justice system. In this second webinar we look at the current conditions in English prisons and explore why more has not been done for those in custody throughout the pandemic. At the beginning of April, the government announced plans for the early release of up to 4,000 prisoners in England and Wales, to reduce prison overcrowding and to slow the rate of infection among prisoners and staff. The Prison Governors Association and Public Health England argued that releasing 10,000 - 15,000 prisoners was needed. By late April, though, a mere 33 prisoners had been released. What went wrong? What has happened throughout May? What have been the implications for the welfare/health/progression of both prisoners and staff? What are the lessons to be learnt now, and for the future - within the prison and probation systems? Discussing the issues: Chair: Nicky Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice Nicky is joined by a panel of experts: - Andrea Albutt (President, Prison Governors Association); - Richard Garside (Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies); - Laura Janes (Legal Director, Howard League for Penal Reform); - (Retired) Judge John Samuels QC (ex-Parole Board and President, Prisoners' Education Trust); and - Jessie Smith (Cambridge PhD candidate in Law, solicitor, formerly specialising in national security).

In these two public webinars from the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, the panels explore the enormous additional pressures that the pandemic has imposed on the criminal justice system. In this second webinar we look at the current conditions in English prisons and explore why more has not been done for those in custody throughout the pandemic. At the beginning of April, the government announced plans for the early release of up to 4,000 prisoners in England and Wales, to reduce prison overcrowding and to slow the rate of infection among prisoners and staff. The Prison Governors Association and Public Health England argued that releasing 10,000 - 15,000 prisoners was needed. By late April, though, a mere 33 prisoners had been released. What went wrong? What has happened throughout May? What have been the implications for the welfare/health/progression of both prisoners and staff? What are the lessons to be learnt now, and for the future - within the prison and probation systems? Discussing the issues: Chair: Nicky Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice Nicky is joined by a panel of experts: - Andrea Albutt (President, Prison Governors Association); - Richard Garside (Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies); - Laura Janes (Legal Director, Howard League for Penal Reform); - (Retired) Judge John Samuels QC (ex-Parole Board and President, Prisoners' Education Trust); and - Jessie Smith (Cambridge PhD candidate in Law, solicitor, formerly specialising in national security). This entry provides an audio source.

In these two public webinars from the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, the panels explore the enormous additional pressures that the pandemic has imposed on the criminal justice system. In this second webinar we look at the current conditions in English prisons and explore why more has not been done for those in custody throughout the pandemic. At the beginning of April, the government announced plans for the early release of up to 4,000 prisoners in England and Wales, to reduce prison overcrowding and to slow the rate of infection among prisoners and staff. The Prison Governors Association and Public Health England argued that releasing 10,000 - 15,000 prisoners was needed. By late April, though, a mere 33 prisoners had been released. What went wrong? What has happened throughout May? What have been the implications for the welfare/health/progression of both prisoners and staff? What are the lessons to be learnt now, and for the future - within the prison and probation systems? Discussing the issues: Chair: Nicky Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice Nicky is joined by a panel of experts: - Andrea Albutt (President, Prison Governors Association); - Richard Garside (Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies); - Laura Janes (Legal Director, Howard League for Penal Reform); - (Retired) Judge John Samuels QC (ex-Parole Board and President, Prisoners' Education Trust); and - Jessie Smith (Cambridge PhD candidate in Law, solicitor, formerly specialising in national security). This entry provides an audio source.

In these two public webinars from the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, the panels explore the enormous additional pressures that the pandemic has imposed on the criminal justice system. In this second webinar we look at the current conditions in English prisons and explore why more has not been done for those in custody throughout the pandemic. At the beginning of April, the government announced plans for the early release of up to 4,000 prisoners in England and Wales, to reduce prison overcrowding and to slow the rate of infection among prisoners and staff. The Prison Governors Association and Public Health England argued that releasing 10,000 - 15,000 prisoners was needed. By late April, though, a mere 33 prisoners had been released. What went wrong? What has happened throughout May? What have been the implications for the welfare/health/progression of both prisoners and staff? What are the lessons to be learnt now, and for the future - within the prison and probation systems? Discussing the issues: Chair: Nicky Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice Nicky is joined by a panel of experts: - Andrea Albutt (President, Prison Governors Association); - Richard Garside (Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies); - Laura Janes (Legal Director, Howard League for Penal Reform); - (Retired) Judge John Samuels QC (ex-Parole Board and President, Prisoners' Education Trust); and - Jessie Smith (Cambridge PhD candidate in Law, solicitor, formerly specialising in national security).

In these two public webinars from the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge, the panels explore the enormous additional pressures that the pandemic has imposed on the criminal justice system. In this second webinar we look at the current conditions in English prisons and explore why more has not been done for those in custody throughout the pandemic. At the beginning of April, the government announced plans for the early release of up to 4,000 prisoners in England and Wales, to reduce prison overcrowding and to slow the rate of infection among prisoners and staff. The Prison Governors Association and Public Health England argued that releasing 10,000 - 15,000 prisoners was needed. By late April, though, a mere 33 prisoners had been released. What went wrong? What has happened throughout May? What have been the implications for the welfare/health/progression of both prisoners and staff? What are the lessons to be learnt now, and for the future - within the prison and probation systems? Discussing the issues: Chair: Nicky Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice Nicky is joined by a panel of experts: - Andrea Albutt (President, Prison Governors Association); - Richard Garside (Director, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies); - Laura Janes (Legal Director, Howard League for Penal Reform); - (Retired) Judge John Samuels QC (ex-Parole Board and President, Prisoners' Education Trust); and - Jessie Smith (Cambridge PhD candidate in Law, solicitor, formerly specialising in national security). This entry provides an audio source.

Different jurisdictions worldwide are grappling to prevent massive outbreaks of Covid-19 in prisons. The UK has, thus far, maintained low death rate inside, but at what cost? Frances Crook, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform, says it's because prisoners are being locked up for at least 23 hours a day. How sustainable is this approach? In this episode, you'll hear from different jurisdictions in how they are coping. Are early release schemes the answer? 

Terry interviews Cosmo from The Howard League, about mental health and it's role in prisons and prisoners!

Omar is joined by Andrew Neilson, the Director of Campaigns at The Howard League for Penal Reform to discuss recommendations for the UK government during the COVID-19 pandemic. See the Howard League and Prison Reform Trust call for further early release to protect prisoners, staff and wider public from coronavirus @TheHowardLeague | @neilsonandrew @OmarPKhan | @Justice_Focus https://www.justicefocus.org/

Jeremy Dein QC talks to Andrew Neilson, Director of Campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, about how our prisons need to change, and how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting prisoners, staff and the system as a whole.

Johnjay sits down with coach Chuck Howard to talk about his gym League of Champions, as well as the process of being a father to a child that is vying for a college scholarship. Chuck is also the director of health and wellness at GCU.

What happens when top graduates work behind bars as prison officers? Lucy Ash meets young people who have forsaken lucrative careers in the City or elsewhere, for what many see as one of the world’s worst jobs. They’re part of Graduates Unlocked, a scheme which, which is trying to replicate in the prison service the success of Teach First, the programme that sends high-flyers into inner-city schools. The aim is to raise the status and reputation of prison officers, to boost recruitment and cut reoffending. It is hoped that youthful enthusiasm plus resilience and empathy could bring a much needed revolution to the criminal justice system. But faced with acute understaffing and assaults on prison officers at record levels, how much of a difference can the graduates make? Lucy meets a group of young men and women who are are sent to HMP Aylesbury, which holds the longest-sentenced young adult males in the English prison system. The youth offender institution in Buckinghamshire is "in a perpetual state of crisis" according to the Howard League for Penal Reform. A few months into the graduates' stint there, the youth prison is placed in special measures for keeping some inmates locked up for 23 hours a day. Can the graduates' early idealism survive the reality of life behind bars? Producer: Arlene Gregorius

Helen and Stephen discuss Boris Johnson's Telegraph column about the burqa, talk to Frances Crook of the Howard League about prisons and penal reform, and answer a listener question: how radical is Jeremy Corbyn's programme for government?Send us your questions for future episodes via Twitter @ns_podcasts, @stephenkb, @helenlewis or join us on Facebook for a live Q&A. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 4 of Sex Talk looks into the relatively unknown world of Sex and Prisons. Adele and Hilary hear from a former prisoner, Julia, who talks openly about her own experience of sex and relationships in Prison. They're also joined in the studio by Lorraine Atkinson from The Howard League for Penal Reform, who talks about the review the organisation did on sex in prisons.

With serious assaults at a record high, File on 4 investigates the growing tension within Britain's prisons. In the first of a new series, BBC Home Affairs correspondent Danny Shaw meets recently released prisoners and families of those inside to hear about their safety fears. And he talks to the Prison Officers Association about their concerns for the frontline members who they say are facing unprecedented levels of pressure and danger in a "chaotic" system. The Howard League for Penal Reform has used Ministry of Justice figures to calculate that around 40% of prison officer jobs have been cut - leaving inmates spending longer locked in their cells and less time preparing for their release. Lawyers and campaigners tell File on 4 that overcrowding and gang activity are adding to a "toxic mix" of problems leading to instability and tension. Twenty five years after the prison system was shaken by a series of riots centring on Strangeways in Manchester, is a new crisis starting to unfold? Reporter: Danny Shaw Producer: Sally Chesworth.

Matthew Sweet interviews Karen Joy Fowler author of a novel which looks at the consequences of introducing a primate into a family and the human fascination with anthropomorphism with animal studies experts Susan McHugh and Giovanni Aloi. From Cape Town the South African man of the theatre Athol Fugard pays tribute to his late friend and fellow activist the author Nadine Gordimer. After today’s Howard League conference on community sentencing Matthew asks David Wilson and Gerard Lemos, commentators on the penal system, whether there is an alternative to prison or if prison is the alternative.

A study published last December in the medical journal Lancet said that self-harm rates were more than ten times higher in female prisoners than in male inmates. The Women in Prison organisation says women account for a disproportionate amount of self-harm, 28%, despite making up only 5% of the prison population. VoR's Juliet Spare hosts a debate. Joining Juliet to discuss the issues of incarcerating women are:- Erwin James, journalist and former prisoner who writes for the Guardian. Robert Preece, Howard League for Penal Reform - the oldest penal reform charity in the UK Julie Bindel, author, journalist, feminist campaigner and co-founder of Justice for Women Rachel Horman, domestic violence specialist solicitor at Watson Ramsbottom Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/uk/2014_05_05/VoR-Debate-Women-in-Prisons-more-harm-than-good-6009/

This open forum, jointly hosted by the Centre for Theology & Public Issues and the Howard League for Penal Reform, is chaired by Dunedin Barrister Anne Stevens. The panellists include Sir Geoffrey Palmer, QC, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Major Campbell Roberts, Director of Social Policy, Salvation Army and Professor Jennie Connor, Head of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago. The link between alcohol consumption and criminal offending in New Zealand is well established. Police estimate that about one third of all offending involves alcohol and that about half of all violent crimes are alcohol-related. The link between alcohol and crime is but one indicator of the serious problems caused by alcohol consumption in our society. The panel considers the nature and extent of the problem and the legal, behavioural and cultural changes that are needed to make a difference. 31 October 2013

This open forum, jointly hosted by the Centre for Theology & Public Issues and the Howard League for Penal Reform, is chaired by Dunedin Barrister Anne Stevens. The panellists include Sir Geoffrey Palmer, QC, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Major Campbell Roberts, Director of Social Policy, Salvation Army and Professor Jennie Connor, Head of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago. The link between alcohol consumption and criminal offending in New Zealand is well established. Police estimate that about one third of all offending involves alcohol and that about half of all violent crimes are alcohol-related. The link between alcohol and crime is but one indicator of the serious problems caused by alcohol consumption in our society. The panel considers the nature and extent of the problem and the legal, behavioural and cultural changes that are needed to make a difference. 31 October 2013

This open forum, jointly hosted by the Centre for Theology & Public Issues and the Howard League for Penal Reform, is chaired by Dunedin Barrister Anne Stevens. The panellists include Sir Geoffrey Palmer, QC, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Major Campbell Roberts, Director of Social Policy, Salvation Army and Professor Jennie Connor, Head of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago. The link between alcohol consumption and criminal offending in New Zealand is well established. Police estimate that about one third of all offending involves alcohol and that about half of all violent crimes are alcohol-related. The link between alcohol and crime is but one indicator of the serious problems caused by alcohol consumption in our society. The panel considers the nature and extent of the problem and the legal, behavioural and cultural changes that are needed to make a difference. 31 October 2013

The final article in the analysis series examining prison health in England and Wales is published this week. To sum up, Francis Crook, Director of the Howard League for Penal Reform - the UK's oldest charity examining prison conditions - joins us to discuss prison reform. Also this week, Myasthenia gravis; Jennifer Spillane, clinical research associate at the Institute of Neurology in London, explains why it's easily missed.

As the Defamation Bill passes through the House of Lords and is signed off by the Commons, we speak to the science writer and campaigner Simon Singh. Should people who are arrested be named in the media or should their identify remain a secret until charged? A question for Susan Aslan a Media Lawyer, Trevor Kavanagh Associate Editor of The Sun and Frances Crook Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform. Plus Susanna Dinnage general manager of Discovery Networks UK on the launch of a new Channel aimed at women.Presented by Steve Hewlett Produced by Beverley Purcell.

Ernie Rea is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths. In this programme, Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the statutory provision of religion in prison. What is the history and role of prison chaplains? Should the state make provision for prisoners to worship and practice their own faith inside prison. Is radical Islam being propagated within the prison system and what is being done to combat extremist views. Discussing religion in prison is the Rev Christopher Jones, a former prison chaplain and now Home Affairs Policy Adviser for the Church of England's, Archbishop's Council; Rashad Ali from Centri, a counter extremist organisation; and Frances Crook, the director of the Howard League for Penal Reform. Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths. In this programme, Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the statutory provision of religion in prison. What is the history and role of prison chaplains? Should the state make provision for prisoners to worship and practice their own faith inside prison. Is radical Islam being propagated within the prison system and what is being done to combat extremist views. Discussing religion in prison is the Rev Christopher Jones, a former prison chaplain and now Home Affairs Policy Adviser for the Church of England's, Archbishop's Council; Rashad Ali from Centri, a counter extremist organisation; and Frances Crook, the director of the Howard League for Penal Reform. Producer: Karen Maurice.