BISHOP Christopher has promised support for prisoners and staff as the government announced the closure of two prisons in his diocese

Kingston Prison, Portsmouth

Our bishop said the closure of Kingston Prison in Portsmouth and Camp Hill Prison on the Isle of Wight on economic grounds left him feeling “uncomfortable” – but said clergy and worshippers would try to help.

The Ministry of Justice announced on January 10 the closure of seven “old and uneconomic” prisons and the partial closure of two others to help save an estimated £63m a year in running costs. This would mean the loss of 2,600 places, which would be partially offset by plans to build a new ‘super prison’ of 2,000 places.

The two prisons in the Anglican diocese of Portsmouth that are due to close currently house a total of 800 prisoners. Unions claim up to 300 jobs could be lost.

Bishop Christopher said: “I know these prisons as I have visited both several times. I admit to feeling uncomfortable at closing prisons purely on ‘economic’ grounds. For me, the bigger question is whether prisons are doing their job in terms of social justice. Are they able to rehabilitate prisoners so that they are better educated, understand the impact of their crimes and want to turn their lives around? If they are to be released, are they less likely to re-offend? Are prisoners treated fairly, and are prison staff respected? Those are the kind of questions I would ask.
 
“In the prisons in this diocese, we have a system of Anglican chaplains – who are employed by the Home Office but then licensed by me – as well as chaplains of other denominations and faiths, who lead worship and offer spiritual support to prisoners and staff. Then there are many Christian volunteers who give up their time to help lead chapel services, visit prisoners or help with their rehabilitation. I know the prisoners, their families and the staff find this involvement enormously helpful.

“As it happens, the previous chaplain at Kingston Prison retired last September and the Home Office is recruiting a replacement at the moment. And we have one Anglican chaplain for the three Isle of Wight prisons, with interviews for a further two next week. I’d like to think those appointments will go ahead, as staff and prisoners will need support over the coming weeks and months with the future unclear.

“But local clergy from our Portsmouth parishes have been helping by leading chapel services and offering spiritual support in Kingston in the absence of a chaplain. I have no doubt that they and the ordinary worshippers who visit will make themselves available to all those worried about what will happen next.

“It’s always difficult when people lose their jobs. Although there will be some re-deployment and voluntary redundancy, there are bound to be some for whom that doesn’t apply, and that is sad for them and their loved ones.”