RULINGS EXPOSE FLAWS OF GOVERNMENT POLICY - HEATH

5.48.00pm GMT Fri 1st Feb 2008

Commenting on the Court of Appeal's ruling that Jack Straw acted unlawfully by failing to provide some prisoners with access to courses to show they were safe for release, Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary, David Heath said:

"The worst possible outcome in our mismanaged penal system is that prisoners should be held for longer than they need to be, making overcrowding even worse.

The ruling by the Court of Appeal makes it perfectly clear that ministers paid scant regard for the rule of law or for the operational requirements of the prison system.

The Government introduced indeterminate sentences in a desperate attempt to look tough but without adequate consideration of how they would work in practice."

Commenting on another ruling that the Parole Board system lacks independence from Government, David said:

"The damning comments of the Lord Chief Justice show the detrimental effect Government interference has had on the Parole Board.

The Ministry of Justice must now take immediate steps to free the Parole Board of political meddling and restore the distinction between Government and the judiciary."