United Kingdom's new Prisons Minister, James Timpson, thinks 'two thirds of inmates shouldn't be there'

I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case everywhere, a good 90% of those imprisoned worldwide would likely be better suited for either 1) nothing 2) basic fines 3) remediation and training classes or 4) medical rehabilitation.

But, just as the case for the modern-day slavery that runs rampant in the US, the corporations love using them for practically free labor, and the UK is no exception to cashing in on free required labor with minimal oversight.

Yup. Friend of mine just finished three years for a crime he definitely did but putting him in prison achieved nothing except cost the country money and fuck with his mental and physical health. The thirty something grand a year it cost to put him inside could have bought him a good course of therapy/rehab and a few hundred hours of community service could have helped his local area (as well as getting him outside and moving around).

I'm really glad to hear James Timpson is in this job. He's experienced with the prison system and working with ex prisoners and he's a decent person who has already helped thousands of ex offenders. This could be a significant positive shift in the justice system.

Ooooh! Now this is exciting to hear!

(As a brit. Who is not in prison)

Disposing of the 12 month and lower prison sentences would be fantastic.