Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

A deficit in trust and lengthy delays in sentence progression are leaving long-term prisoners in Scotland without hope | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 12d

Read the full report at prisonreformtrust.org.uk/a-deficit-in...

Report calls for fairer, more accountable sentence progression that supports personal development and timely release for long-term prisoners in Scotland

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 12d

The report highlights the importance of fostering hope by providing prisoners with clear timelines, consistent access to rehabilitative activities, and opportunities to plan for the future.

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 12d

Many prisoners reported that they struggle to maintain family relationships, as they cannot explain why their progression has stalled. To loved ones, it can appear as though they are not making enough effort, when in reality, systemic barriers and waiting lists are often to blame.

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 12d

One prisoner, who contributed to the report said:

"I've seen guys with a tariff of less than two years still here more than 15 years later – that is terrifying, it diminishes your hope completely, what hope have I got?"

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 12d

The report, developed through a prisoner-led consultation at HMP Glenochil, reveals systemic delays, poor communication, and a lack of transparency in the sentence progression process—leaving many feeling forgotten and hopeless.

A deficit in trust and lengthy delays in sentence progression are leaving long-term prisoners in Scotland without hope | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 12d

Our new report out today, calls for fairer, more accountable sentence progression that supports personal development and timely release for long-term prisoners in Scotland.

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/a-deficit-in...

Report calls for fairer, more accountable sentence progression that supports personal development and timely release for long-term prisoners in Scotland

PRT briefing on the Sentencing Bill | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · 25d

With prisons at breaking point, the Sentencing Bill is a vital chance to cut ineffective short sentences and invest in community solutions. Our latest briefing sets out what’s good, what’s concerning, and what’s missing: prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-briefing...

Read our briefing on the Sentencing Bill, outlining key reforms, concerns, and the action needed to reduce prison overcrowding

PRT comment: David Lammy appointed as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Sep 5

David Lammy's appointment as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice comes at a critical moment for reform. Read our full response in the link below.
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-comment-...

David Lammy’s appointment comes at a critical moment, as the Sentencing Bill begins its journey through Parliament

Acutely mentally unwell women face delayed psychiatric treatment at HMP Downview - Independent Monitoring Boards

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Sep 3

Acutely mentally unwell women face delayed psychiatric treatment at HMP Downview, a new report from the IMB reveals.

Read the full report below ⬇️

imb.org.uk/news/acutely...

Women at HMP/YOI Downview who are acutely mentally unwell face lengthy delays when awaiting transfer to psychiatric units. In its

imb.org.uk

PRT comment: Publication of the Sentencing Bill | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Sep 2

Today sees the long awaited publication of the Sentencing Bill. It offers an opportunity to begin to restore our justice system to a more proportionate, sustainable, and effective footing.
Read our full response in the link below.
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-comment-...

The Sentencing Bill offers a path to lasting reform — if its supported with the necessary resources to suceed.

Barriers to reintegration faced by people released from long prison sentences

2

Reposted by Prison Reform Trust

Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · Sep 1

Barriers to reintegration faced by people released from long prison sentences
@prtuk.bsky.social highlights the need for enhanced support and policy reform for people released from long-term prison sentences.
www.russellwebster.com/barriers-to-...

Prison Reform Trust highlights the need for enhanced support and policy reform for people released from long-term prison sentences.

www.russellwebster.com

IPP prisoners are dogged by stigma and ‘set up to fail’ on release, report warns

Reposted by Prison Reform Trust

Ailie Rennie @ailierennie.bsky.social · Aug 29

🚨I'm very excited to announce the launch of my report: Release from long-term imprisonment. This report is based on a new empirical study I conducted last year into the release experiences of people who have served very long prison sentences.
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/publication/...

1 4 6

Reposted by Prison Reform Trust

HJA Civil Liberties @hjacivillibs.bsky.social · Aug 29

Prisoners freed from IPPs and other long-term sentences are dogged by stigma and feel “set up to fail” on their release, with an “overwhelming” threat of recall if they fail to comply with complex license conditions, report by @prtuk.bsky.social warns

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...

Exclusive: Prisoners have revealed their struggle to find housing and employment while living under an ‘overwhelming’ threat of recall

www.independent.co.uk

New report highlights significant barriers to reintegration faced by long-term prisoners on release | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Aug 29

Read the full report here

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/new-report-h...

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Aug 29

The report highlights the need for enhanced support and policy reform to assist individuals on release after serving long-term prison sentences.

Labour to abolish most short prison sentences in England and Wales

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Aug 29

NEW REPORT: PRT's new report 'Release from long-term imprisonment', published today, highlights the significant barriers to reintegration faced by long-term prisoners on release.

1 3

Reposted by Prison Reform Trust

HMI Prisons @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social · Aug 26

HMYOI Feltham: violence declining but still the highest of any prison in the country.

Read the inspection report: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk?post_type=hm...

And the press notice: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/report-...

See the healthy prison scores:

Bar chart illustrating the healthy establishment outcome scores for HMYOI Feltham when it was inspected in 2024 and 2025. All scores had remained unchanged across the inspections; safety and purposeful activity were rated poor and care and resettlement were rated reasonably good.

1 3 1

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Aug 26

Labour to abolish most short prison sentences in England and Wales ⬇️

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Exclusive: Legislation that will include Texas-style scheme to shorten jail time expected to be rolled out this year

www.theguardian.com

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Aug 18

PRT Associate Sarah Beresford has written a blog explaining some recent adaptations to the Child Impact Assessment resources.

You can read the full blog here ⬇️

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/relationship...

Reposted by Prison Reform Trust

St Giles' Cripplegate @stgilescg.bsky.social · Aug 17

Our guest preacher this morning was Edward Smyth from @prtuk.bsky.social. Thank you Edward!

PRT comment: Independent review of prison capacity | Prison Reform Trust

Prison Reform Trust @prtuk.bsky.social · Aug 5

Dame Anne Owers' report, out today, doesn’t pull any punches. It lays bare the systemic failures behind repeated prison capacity crises. We cannot afford to indulge in the fantasy that building more prisons will solve this crisis — history shows it won’t.
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-comment-...

This report must be a wake-up call. We cannot afford to indulge in the fantasy that building more prisons will solve this crisis — history shows it won’t.