Government pledges clampdown on drugs and violence in prison

Too many of Britain’s prisons are blighted by violence, poor safety and high levels of drug use – a situation, say ministers, which simply can’t go on. Today Prisons Minister Rory Stewart announced a £10m plan to curb the supply of drugs at ten of England’s “most challenging” jails. He called it a “back to basics” approach and pledged to resign if it doesn’t lead to a reduction in violence over the next 12 months.