Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his Department has to encourage prisoners to be more physically active as part of their rehabilitation.

Participation in physical activity has an important role in improving the health and well-being of offenders, as well as helping their prospects for effective rehabilitation. There are widespread opportunities for offenders to participate in physical activity in custody, ranging from in-house provision of sport and PE to programmes and activities offered by professional sports clubs and voluntary and community groups.

The Ministry of Justice has commissioned Professor Rosie Meek and the National Alliance for Sport and the Desistance of Crime (NASDC) to undertake a review of the provision of sport and PE in youth justice. Although this review is focused on the youth justice system it will collate evidence and best practice to inform recommendations for how future delivery of physical activity in custody may be improved.