Prisons can’t be left to become fiefdoms for organised crime gangs, says Mail Opinion.
Rife use of illegal phones and drugs in Scotland’s prisons, uncovered in today’s Sunday Mail, will appal many. Lags are using smartphones to post bragging videos on TikTok about their cushy lives, painting a picture of an anarchic, out-of-control prison system.
Shocking footage reveals cons at Shotts, Barlinnie and privately run Addiewell jails enjoying raves fuelled by high-potency cannabis resin products.
Others show prisoners gorging on Mars Bars and fizzy juice. None of these images should exist because prisoners aren’t supposed to have mobiles in the first place.
A disastrous Covid-era policy allowing cons to have phones was roundly abused, contributing to drug deals and violence, and jails are still dealing with the aftermath.
But just as concerning is the message these videos send to victims of crime. No one expects prisoners in the 21st century to live in dungeons but, at the end of the day, it’s a punishment… not a holiday.
What hope do these men have for rehabilitation if they’re allowed to smuggle drugs and phones into jails with impunity? Prisons can’t be left to become fiefdoms for organised crime gangs. Discipline must be restored.
Make them work for it
The Holyrood election show is officially on the road with politicians making pitstops this weekend looking for your vote.
Beware: at any point these budding MSPs might appear before you, chapping on your door and thrusting leaflets in your face. Expect the usual promises, bluster and cross-party sniping.
Yet this is a serious election for serious times. The Iran war threatens a new cost-of-living crisis and our public services are under real pressure.
Every five years we go through this rigmarole as the party leaders vow this and that, debate one another and do daft photo-ops all over the country.
At times, it seems like a circus but, actually, the power is with us now. We’ve got every right to demand better from our politicians. Whoever you’re voting for when polling day comes on May 7, make them earn it.
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