Michael Gove putting education, literacy and earned release at the heart of prison policy

Michael Gove is rightly putting literacy at the heart of his prison policy. He gives a big speech today and mor on this will follow but the principles are clear, and not far off what I proposed in my book, Doing Time. 
Prisoners could be allowed out of jail early if they sign up to English and maths courses behind bars, Michael Gove will say today. In his first speech on prison policy since becoming Justice Secretary, he will throw open the prospect of ‘earned release’ for those inmates who knuckle down to gain educational qualifications.
Fuller details here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3164648/Get-jail-early-taking-lessons-Gove-s-reward-inmates-attend-classes-English-maths.html

Even the Guardian approves of Michael Gove as Justice Secretary of State, and quite right too

I believe there is great scope for prison and other reform of the judicial system and Michael Gove has won deserved praise for his fresh approach this week. Don't take my word for it - this is what the Guardian says: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/23/guardian-view-on-justice-secretary-michael-gove-hope-for-penal-reform


For those who want to read the full speech it is here: http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/03/whats-good-about-right

Home Affairs Select Cttee chair, Keith Vaz praises my book, Doing Time, in the Commons

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2013-11-12a.790.1&s=speaker%3A24962#g791.0
It is a good exchange. Not sure I agree with the answer of the Minister. I find it bizarre that a labour politician and I are on the same side of the argument on this issue of stopping drugs getting into prison.