Titan prisons to be rebranded as ‘cluster jails’
Controversial “Titan prisons” proposed by the Government to ease jail overcrowding have met with such widespread opposition that ministers are considering changing their name in a “rebranding” exercise.
Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, last year announced plans for a network of three US-style extra-large jails, each housing around 2,500 prisoners.
But the idea has been criticised by the chief inspector of prisons, offenders’ charities and opposition parties, while the Prison Officers’ Assocation has warned that it would be difficult to maintain order in such large jails.
Internal Whitehall documents, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, reveal that the Ministry of Justice is considering dropping the “Titan” name because it may send out the wrong message. Instead, the planned jails could be renamed “cluster prisons”.
By Ben Leach – Telegraph.co.uk
31 Aug 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2651123/Titan-prisons-to-be-rebranded-as-cluser-jails.html
Prison radio to cost taxpayers £2million
The government is planning a radio station exclusively for the entertainment of Britain’s prisoners, which will cost taxpayers £2million, according to reports.
The service would broadcast shows 12 hours a day to 140 prisons in England and Wales if the Ministry of Justice approves the idea.
The Prison Service, which came up with the scheme, claims the £2million need to start up the station would be raised from existing budgets. It has been dubbed ‘con air’ like the Nicholas Cage film.
A charity might also contribute to running costs, it is thought.
Telegraph.co.uk 20th January 2009
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/4293852/Prison-radio-to-cost-taxpayers-2million.html