The independent review of prisons led by Amber Rudd is right to confront the drugs, violence, overcrowding and deteriorating conditions affecting our prisons (Drugs, drones and heat: Amber Rudd and David Lammy begin search for answers to prisons crisis. 12 July). It is critical that the review does not lose sight of its remit to strengthen rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of people returning to prison after release.
Education is one of the most effective tools available. A recent Ministry of Justice analysis of more than 4,500 prison learners found that those who studied with The Open University were 22% less likely to reoffend within a year of release than comparable prisoners who did not study. They also committed 37% fewer offences.
