It is concerning - for a number of reasons - to read that Mr Grayling has declined to comment on conditions at HMP High Down. It would seem obvious that as Justice Minister, he would be concerned about poor conditions in any prison, though this is also an establishment in which presumably a number of his constituents work.

Perhaps more significantly, as part of Mr Grayling's Rehabilitation Revolution he (rightly) plans for offenders to be detained in prisons within their local area.

It would therefore seem appropriate that he would wish to respond to reports about a prison in which his constituents and their family members may regrettably find themselves, and the consequent impact on their rehabilitation and rates of re-offending in our local area.

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