Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, commenting on the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said:

“This damning report by the independent Chief Inspector of Prisons lays bare the deteriorating conditions in our jails under David Cameron’s Government. It shows ministers are  burying their heads in the sand rather than facing up to the growing levels of overcrowding, staff cuts, violence and suicide.

“The Government should be alarmed at reports of prisoners idling away their time in their cells rather than being on courses or working. It does nothing to improve rehabilitation and puts the safety of communities at risk from unreformed prisoners drifting back into a life of crime and creating more needless victims.”