Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of exposure to prison violence on re-offending rates.

We know that the evidence suggests that if prisoners feel safe and supported they are more likely to have the time and headspace to take positive steps to address the causes of their offending. In addition, we know that access to rehabilitative services such as purposeful activity is an important protective factor for preventing violence and self-harm.

This is why are taking urgent action to improve prison safety and security, alongside reforms to overhaul the system to focus on the rehabilitation of offenders. We are tackling the supply and demand of drugs, drones and phones, which drive prison violence and undermine safety.