May 9, 2007: Probation Response To New Ministry

Commenting on the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9th May, Harry Fletcher, Assistant General Secretary of Probation union Napo said:

“The justice unions have been campaigning for a Justice Ministry for many years. The Home Office is too large, overly bureaucratic, and dysfunctional. However, there is little evidence that attention has been given to the detailed working of the new Ministry. Police and Probation are now in separate departments."

"Yet working together on public protection has been an absolute priority. It is of concern that no one seems to know how these arrangements will continue in the future. The justice system now needs a period of stability, not constant change. The new Justice Minister must consult widely with stakeholders about future developments.”

“As a matter of priority, the Minister must resolve the prison overcrowding crisis by either releasing non violent prisoners on temporary licence or ensuring that the courts send less people to prison in the first place."