A new report by the Prison Reform Trust, supported by the Bromley Trust, shows the system under significant strain with fewer staff, worsening safety and fewer opportunities for rehabilitation.

Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are the norm in the prison system according to an analysis of recent statistics by the Prison Reform Trust.

Penal reform charities have has expressed broad support for the green paper on punishment and rehabilitation but have also made key recommendations.

The Prison Reform Trust has commented on the government's proposals for all offenders sentenced to four years or more to be automatically barred from registering to vote.