Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Install in-cell telephones in all prison cells

Closed 307 signatures

What the petition asks

In-cell telephones in all prisons would strengthen family ties and reduce distress for the families of prisoners.

A 2017 review by Lord Farmer found that strong ties between prisoners and their families can help to reduce reoffending.
Without in-cell telephones, prisoners must use a communal phone which can generally only be accessed during daytime office hours.

This leaves prisoners unable to contact family members who have daytime work or educational commitments.

This is distressing not only for the prisoner, but also for their loved ones, who have committed no offences but are equally deprived of contact.

In-cell telephones in all prisons would strengthen family ties and reduce distress for the families of prisoners.

Timeline

11 Feb 2021 Petition opened for signatures
11 Aug 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 307
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 11 Feb 2021
Closed 11 Aug 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.