Speakers include:
- Liz Bridge former Quaker chaplain at the prison
- Andrew Neilson Campaigns Director, The Howard League;
- Lord Fred Ponsonby Shadow Spokesperson for Justice (House of Lords)
- Pia Sinha CEO Prison Reform Trust
- Former inmates
- Relatives of serving prisoners
- Representatives of organisations actively involved in prisons and criminal justice
View and share the poster for the event here: Wandsworth Prison Improvement Campaign Public Meeting
What is the Wandsworth Prison Improvement Campaign?
WPIC recently formed to push for action to improve the shocking conditions in HMP Wandsworth, for prisoners, staff and visitors by lobbying those in a position of power or influence to make safety and decency at HMP Wandsworth a priority.
There are major long-term issues such as overcrowding, staff shortages and the age of the building, and WPIC are calling on the Government to address these.
The Secretary of State has announced measures to reduce prison numbers, but there will take time and money.
Five actions needed now:
Taking these actions now would make a real difference to the living conditions of the men in HMP Wandsworth and the working conditions of staff:
- All prisoners to get their medication on time and attend all external medical appointments.
- A sustainable plan to deal with rats, pigeons and other vermin, including a daily cleaning regime.
- An effective contacts for repair and maintenance that ensures hot water, heating, and flushing toilets.
- Sufficient laundry and changes of underwear, and access to showers.
- Easy and regular access to books.
WPIC plans to:
- Raise the need for urgent action with the Prison, Ministers, members of Select Committees, Shadow Ministers, local MPs through meetings, lobbying, and PQs.
- Meet other bodies and groups that share WPIC concerns both at HMP Wandsworth and throughout the Prison Service.
- Make the wider public aware of these issues at HMP Wandsworth and increase support.
- Ask for manifesto commitments from all major parties to address the conditions at HMP Wandsworth urgently and to sustain improvements.
Key contacts:
WPIC email: wandsworthprisonimprovement@gmail.com
Twitter: @WandsworthPIC
One Response
I wanted to come to your meeting but ill health has stopped me, i have a virus-cold at the moment.
To be honest, I was not aware of the problems untill it landed on my doorstep.
I would like to help, most people have no time or just dont care especially with prisoners.
I would like to help when i feel well enough.
It brings me hope thatyou care.