Bribing foreign criminals yet another desperate measure

2.46.07pm GMT Wed 5th Mar 2008

Commenting on the announcement that the money offered to foreign prisoners to leave the country has been increased to £3,000, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"It is appalling that ministers think they can quadruple the bribes being paid to foreign prisoners in only four months, without any kind of formal announcement.

"The Government has been quick to trumpet its record on deporting foreign prisoners but it is now clear that this has only been possible through paying ever increasing amounts of cash.

"This is yet another desperate measure to combat the overcrowding crisis in our prisons.

"Instead of lavishing funds on foreign criminals, the Government should move drug addicts and prisoners with mental health problems into more appropriate accommodation and increase the use of community punishments for non-violent offenders."