Warning to prison governors

Tuesday 08 October 1996 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Richard Tilt, the director general of the Prison Service, yesterday gave a private warning to prison governors that the jail population will reach 68,000 by the end of the century.

The drastically revised figures were described last night by governors as "astounding". Some warned that they would not be able to cope with the increased numbers. The prison population is already at the record level of 57,000 and portable units are being introduced to cope with the extra inmates.

The revelation coincided with a robust law-and-order speech by Michael Howard, the Home Secretary, to the Tory party conference yesterday. Ian Burrell

Conference, pages 6 and 7

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Warning to prison governors

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering