Lord Falconer, Labour’s Shadow Secretary for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor, responding to reports that prisons are to be given greater autonomy, said:

“Labour has long said that governors of successful prisons should be given greater autonomy so it is welcome that the Government has finally listened.

We will look at the details of the proposals but it is important that this is introduced alongside a strengthened inspection regime, including regular, robust and unannounced inspections.

The right conditions also have to be in place and prisons will never be able to rehabilitate offenders while understaffed, overcrowded and violent.

Michael Gove must urgently address the crisis in our prisons.”