HM PRISON LEICESTER

That this House is concerned by the recently published HM Inspectorate of Probation report on HM Prison Leicester; notes the report findings which state that HMP Leicester is currently 50 per cent above capacity with 325 inmates; further notes that levels of self-harm at HMP Leicester have increased by 50 per cent since December 2013; is further concerned at the budgetary cuts forced on the prison as well as the lack of leadership from local management identified by the Inspectors; commends the dedication and professionalism of staff despite ongoing staff cuts and an increased prison population; believes that refurbishing the establishment would give HMP Leicester the capacity and ability to provide offenders and staff with a safer, more decent and secure environment in which to deliver the rehabilitation work the Government wants; and calls on the Government to invest in HMP Leicester to ensure a safer environment for inmates and staff and to ensure inmates receive the support they need to ensure that incidents of self-harm and suicide are eradicated.