We finally get a glimpse at what Michael Gove's time as justice secretary might be like today with his first major speech. There was much to welcome in it, including the impression - it's not certain yet - that there will be no more legal aid cuts and that money will instead be saved by potentially closing courts. However, we found very little policy meat on the bones, apart from some streamlined court procedures and swapping documents for emails. It's positive stuff and is winning some strong headlines in the press - but there's not enough detail to pass judgement yet.
One area where there certainly is enough detail to pass judgement is the deterioration of the prison estate. Another report - the latest in a seemingly endless procession of despairing official investigations by the chief inspector - came out this morning on Pentonville prison, which is described as filthy, violent, full of drugs and hopelessly crowded. It makes for depressing reading but we have to hope the new justice secretary is taking it on board.
Finally we take a look at the amendments being thrown on the psychoactive substances bill, as peers try to inject some sense of evidence-based policy making into a bill quickly making a name for itself as possibly the worst British law of all time. Needless to say, it is expected to pass the Commons easily with support on both sides of the chamber. | |
No comments:
Post a Comment