Recent skirmishes between Labour and Tories have become competition to see who can appear the most hardline on crime

What judges have said about the state of prisons in England and Wales

Criminals in England and Wales spared jail sentences because of overcrowding

In the run-up to next year’s general election, the debate on criminal justice often seems to amount to repeated promises to “lock ‘em up and throw away the key”.

After the alleged escape of a terror suspect from HMP Wandsworth, which highlighted chaos within the system, campaigners for reform say urgent action is required on staffing levels, infrastructure and overcrowding.