Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

New prison at Runwell is not the way to cut crime - Robinson

April 30, 2009 11:38 PM
Nick Clegg outside Chelmsford prison

Nick Clegg visited Chelmsford prison with Stephen Robinson 9 October 2008

The Government proposal this week for a new prison at Runwell near Chelmsford will not cut crime says Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson. "Locking up more and more people, only for them to come out and commit more crime, is madness," said Mr Robinson.

"For far too many people, prison does NOT work. The only thing they learn inside is how to be a better criminal. It's time for Labour and the Conservatives to get serious about stopping people committing more crime, not their endless posturing about who will lock up more people.

"The Liberal Democrats will cut crime by medical treatment for prisoners with mental health and drug problems, and education programmes for prisoners to give them a chance of not committing more crime. That would be a better use of public money - and more effective in the long run.

"When I visited Chelmsford prison last October, with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, I saw at first hand the difference that proper training programmes can make. I also saw, though, how stupid it is to lock people up for very short sentences: it is a complete waste of time and taxpayers money. We need more effective punishments."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/en/article/2009/039770/new-prison-at-runwell-is-not-the-way-to-cut-crime-robinson
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    sr.lib.dm/a01HQ

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image