More prisons will be built following changes to planning system, says Starmer

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer said more prisons will be built to manage overcrowding once the Government gets its “hands on the planning laws”. “And, as you’d expect from an ex-chief prosecutor, people do need to go to prison, and they need to know that the law is effective.” Asked if he agrees with prisons minister James Timpson that the UK puts too many people in jail, Sir Keir replied: “I think has got unparalleled experience in rehabilitation, and particularly those coming out of prison. We need to build those prisons, and we will get our hands on the planning laws in order to do so Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer “Do I agree with him that, insofar as is possible, people come out of prison, we should give them the chance not to go back into prison? “But, look, we need to build those prisons, and we will get our hands on the planning laws in order to do so.” Earlier this week, the Prime Minister claimed the early release scheme is an essential part of the Government’s response to the recent riots and its ability to prosecute perpetrators of the violence.