1. IPP Families Event in the House of commons for the Secondary Pains for Family Members of Indeterminate Imprisonment. 2. Forty three people on Hinger strike a protest against indefinite detention.

On 17 October Katherine Gleeson,Ann Horton and Martin Ford spoke at a policy launch for the The Secondary Pains for Family Members of Indeterminate Imprisonment’.along with Martin Jones Parole board CEO, House of Lords peers,Bob Neal,MPs,Parole Board, HM Prison and Probation Service, prisoner families charities, National Probation.

The research by Drs Harry Anniston and Rachel Condry (from the Universities of Southampton and Oxford respectively) examines the challenges faced by family members of prisoners sentenced to the indeterminate Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence                     

 

 

The point of the meeting was to talk a bit about the research findings on the families of IPP prisoners. 
Share the findings of the research explore practical ways forwards for helping families. So they was not we  pushing for legislative change at this event, howver did say flag it up as a possibility, and argue for it elsewhere,  i do wonder what that will take? In terms of that question  they are,currently waiting to see if we have obtained funding for a project that would work with families to produce guidance for relevant organizations (eg Parole Board, Prison Service, National Probation Service) to ensure that their practitioners are able better to support IPPs and their families.

And it began with thanking Jo Stevens for arranging us to have the meeting in Parliament. 

Setting the Scene

 Harry To argue that there is an urgent need recognise the harm and address the issues facing IPP prisoners and their families to do things for them but we also need to do things with them as well. 

 Left, Ann Horton, Mike Ford & Katherine Gleeson

The research was in dept. with on line survey and quit lengthy interviews with those with experiences of serving an IPP sentence and there particular concerns around this issues. Notation from families at the meeting In terms of the geographic survey three quarters were females this gives a picture of the age range of partner and parents. 

40% age 26 to 55

3^rd 41 -65

20% 56 or over

30% partners

Significant amount where were the number of children.

Other being Sister and Aunts.  

 

The abolition of the sentence unclear Inconsistent. Inconsistent with punishment and understandably for family this made prisoners feel bitter toward the justice system. IPP prisoner spoke about I can’t understand and how they can ignore the truth and the injustice of it. Another spoke about it as eating away at him. That I may be naive but I don’t understand the injustice of it all how they can ignore the decon justice of it. 

The truth it underlines the injustice. In terms of what particular about the IPP sentence this underlines the sense of the injustice of those who reported it. 

The research findings to be followed up by government representatives with a favour to follow through legislate action going forward. In terms of the uncertainty despondence   point the financial and substantial emotional challenges posed by the never ending sentence. 

      IPP prisoners

   Im fighting a never ending battle hoping it would improve but the ever possibility the hopethingswillimprove. 

     What came though the analyses from family members was a mix and a combination resonation of being worn down also about resilience refusing to give up. I think one thing that strikes this inent whole population of IPP prisoners I might suggest a much larger group there who are more in apt of hopelessness. In terms of key organisations and moving towards release if we start with prisons have major challenges supporting their relatives’ basic issues distance from prison was a concern with a significant amount of family’s

     Requirement to receive information was challenging relatives described such processes a part of supporting a relative is insufficient, Poor communication, Unprepared, poor staffing. Effectively you have no powers I speak to the chaplain they pass on your message, you can’t speak to anyone directly so your only option is to write but families report difficulties in this area. You might get a reply from the prison to your phone call in 3 weeks if you’re fortunate. Some reported inconsistences within the same prison.

      Concerns was with Probation Parole hearing and prisons some of the concerns flow from family issues a reluctance from probation to engage with family members other was long delays, communications and one partially striking of family members trying to speak to a development probation officer for the last 6 weeks I rang email her I talked to her boss and managed to get through to her today and had a lengthy conversation with them she only works 2 days a week on at ten of at two how and earth can she do the work that she is doing in that time and supporting that family.

      Anxieties with quality and of supervision is a common place reported to be detrimental in not getting them out and not providing support for families and no recognition to what families do to support their loved ones?

Apprehensions around progression plans, around prisoners particle documents produce material in terms of the parole hearing, not provided or support provided. Moving to a wide spread issue for many prisoners and their families of delays in parole hearing. For one striking example is where someone reported that there was a huge delay and he was put in a prison with all the courses he was required to do then the parole board with 24 hours cancelled the parole hearing. But equally quoted we thought we were going to get released then it was delay then it was  cancelled so there that key important point that it’s not just about the uncertainty but it’s about being on a roller coaster a constant highly emotional charged journey people are on really emotional. The parole hearing by the time it comes round 3 times in the new year it been deferred 3 times it’s the content waiting and not knowing a constan

We serving a sentence too for a life that may never come. Another spoke about being in a state of chronic loss a feeling when you lose someone. One spoke about passing a way but it doesn’t go away and you can’t move on. In to the theme was hope and hopelessness.

“So we argue the family of IPP prisoners fine themselves in a limbo a state hopeless but unable to abandon hope hopeful but worn down by content setbacks along the ways.

Spoke about I can’t understand and how they can ignore the truth and the injustice of it. Another spoke about it as eating away at him. That I may be naive but I don’t understand the injustice of it all how they can ignore the decon justice of it. 

The truth it underlines the injustice said Harry. In terms of what particular about the IPP sentence this underlines the sense of the injustice of those who reported to us.

The findings to be followed up by government representatives with a favour to follow through sertermly legislate action going forward. In terms of the uncertainty despondence   point the financial and substantial emotional challenges   posed by the never ending sentence.  

     We serving a sentence too for a life that may never come. Another spoke about being in a state of conic loss a feeling when you lose someone, one spoke about passing a way but it doesn’t go away and you can’t move on. In to the theme was hope and hopelessness.   So we argue the family of IPP prisoners fine themselves in a limbo a state hopeless but unable to abandon hope hopeful but worn down by content setbacks along the ways.

     One reporting fighting a never ending battle hoping it would improve every single one but the ever possibility the hope things will improve. What came though the analyses from family members was a mix and a combination resonation of being worn down also about resilience refusing to give up. I think one thing that strikes this intent whole population of IPP prisoners I might suggest a much larger group there who are more in apt of hopelessness. In terms of key organisations and moving towards release if we start with prisons have major challenges supporting their relative’s basic issues distance from prison was a concern with a significant amount of family’s

Probation, Parole Hearing and Prisons there are concerns flow from family a reluctance from probation to engage  with family members other was long delays, communications and one partially striking of family members trying to speak to a development probation officer for the last 6 weeks I rang email her I talked to her boss and managed to get through to her today and had a lengthy conversation with them she only works 2 days a week on at ten of at two how and earth can she do the work that she is doing in that time and supporting that family.

      Terms of quality and of supervision is a common place reported to be detrimental in not getting them out and not providing support for families and no recognition to what families do to support their loved ones? Concerns around progression plans, around prisoners particle documents produce material in terms of the parole hearing, not provided or support provided. Moving to a wide spread issue for many prisoners and their families of delays in parole hearing. For one striking example is where someone reported that there was a huge delay and he was put in a prison with all the courses he was required to do then the parole board with 24 hours cancelled the parole hearing. 

      But equally quoted we thought we were going to get released then it was delay then it was  cancelled so there that key important point that it’s not just about the uncertainty but it’s about being on a roller coaster a constant highly emotional charged journey people are on really emotional. the parole hearing by the time it comes round 3 times  in the new year it been deferred 3 times it’s the content waiting and not knowing a constant uncertainty. So there is this certainty that family feel like there being dangled by a string, never quit resolved   there is always this sense you expect to be provide with an unexpected knock back. Some despondence reported parole unprepared and didn’t know if they could go to parole or get permission. There are many families that campaigned publicly about the sentence and supporting each from a number of on line sites and groups 

One said how it’s perceived I’m scared I flag up my father’s name in when I try to connect with the groups. Another said why can’t I campaign but considers it against his licence conditions, recall

A number of raised concerns some are scared to add the name in case criminal organisations use it against them. I try to connect with these groups or equally campaign but criminal originations use it against them. The family are finding the stress and the anxiety continual through the period of release. For example one said my partner is released and I am living on the edge constantly   probation contacts you can’t go abroad we have kids now they are constantly worried. I know my partners home but it’s the fear of him being taken away. Families worry about licenced imposed the technical breaches that might lead to prison. 

The heavily burdens of families’ one talks about their family member can’t use a phone or a computer that a huge burden on me because I’m his content helper. I try to feel a normal life again but one minor incursion and we have to pick up the pieces once again. Some family member who was yet to be released simpler reported anxiety in relation to that fearing the consequences for example if my husband is ever released probation will be on his back want  be a help and it will be a never ending nightmare. Families reported not understanding the recall presses at all.  One said my partner I don’t know where he stands and what will happen to him on IPP recalls. The effects on family with all of this we can rate in three categories material, health impact and family relationships.  Families reported significant material impact including financial differ cuties time, emotional support, efforts for release. Heavily gendered women taking on this additional labour. Some reported to be on very low income other in different circumstances taking on step children or other members of the family children otherwise unable to be supported. 

all rounded the cost of prison visits because of supporting family on the outside. Other in a better educated position and in an impressionable roll one said I have to find a way to manage this and still work in my professional roll. I have been limiting my job role because I have a lack of to pursue what I might have done if my life had not been blighted by this sentence. Others spoke about having to access solicitors but found out due to cut backs and legal aid there was no solicitors in the area taken on prisoners. Another said my whole life is centred on my partner the phone call letters emails solicitors petitions processes interviews I do them all it’s completely taken over my life and consumed me. 

No support with organisations. In terms of family relationships you might expect a significant effect on the dynamics of the family so for example, one respondent spoke about his Son tantrums he screams and shouts it effected hi going to the prison to go and see his father on a never ending setance. So the mum does not take into that environment and he has not seen his dad for 2 years. Special occasions are tainted by the relative such as birthday charismas these very special occasions are a reminder he is not here.

Reported was considerable burdens on children for example it completely torn me and my daughter’s life apart she wants to know when her dad is coming home. The health impacts   significant health effects due to supporting their relative on an IPP sentence. So some described it as poor torture like a slow painful death. 

Some reported losing trust in happiness or basically change by the experience and not being the person I once was. Some reported stress anxiety having problems sleeping this sentence has caused mental illness with myself and my siblings he self-harm has psychosis and depression. Another report I’ve gone grey I throw things I sit there and have a drink I cry I start smashing things then my other children get upset its effecting them as well. Others reported being acerbated by the struggles of the incarceration. One said you can’t eat you can’t sleep but then you get the prisoner on the phone do this do that and all you want to do is talk and you feel like you’re lettering them down.

So taken as a whole these issues around the originations and the process within that do impact with the families’ those are important issues which makes hope and hopeless and the above unique to IPP. Beyond that we recognise the importance of families and the uncertainty. 

Bob Neill Bristish Barrister 

It is indeed an issue and it certainly goes with the evidence we have. We have to accept this was an abnormal political cock up. It was done very quickly and it’s clearly had unintended consequences and the family are on the receiving end too. We has a concern with the self-harm and safety of prison. Further said we are at the moment doing out inquiry into the prison population 2022 

  

• One spoke about not knowing being the hardest part.

• No light at the end of the tunnel. 

• Families spend all of their life waiting.

     The Uncertainty families feel like there being dangled by a string, never quit resolved   there is always this sense you expect to be provide with a unexpected knock back. Some despondence reported parole unprepared and didn’t know if they could go to parole or get permission. There are many families that campaigned publicly about the sentence and supporting each from a number of on sites and groups

One said he was concerned how it’s perceived, I’m scared if I flag up my father’s name if I connect with the groups. Another said why can’t I campaign but considers it against his licence conditions, and is worried he might be recall 

A number of raised concerns some are scared to add the name in case organisations use it against them. I try to connect with these groups or equally campaign but originations use it against them. The family are finding the stress and the anxiety continual through the period of release. For example one said my partner is released and I am living on the edge constantly   probation contacts you can’t go abroad we have kids now they are constantly worried. I know my partners home but it’s the fear of him being taken away. Families worry about licenced imposed the technical breaches that might lead to prison. 

The heavily burdens of families’ talks about IPP prisoners families members can’t use a phone or a computer that’s a huge burden because we are there constant helper. We try to feel a normal life again but one minor incursion and we have to pick up the pieces once again. Some family member who was yet to be released simpler reported anxiety in relation to that fearing the consequences for example if my husband is ever released probation will be on his back want  be a help and it will be a never ending nightmare. 

Families reported not understanding the recall presses at all.  One said my partner I don’t know where he stands and what will happen to him on IPP recalls. The effects on family with all of this we can rate in three categories material, health impact and family relationships.  Families reported significant material impact including financial differ cuties time, emotional support, efforts for release. Heavily gendered women taking on this additional labour. Some reported to be on very low income other in different circumstances taking on step children or other members of the family children otherwise unable to be supported. All rounded the cost of prison visits because of supporting family on the outside. 

Other in a better educated position and in an impressionable roll one said I have to find a way to manage this and still work in my Professional roll. I have been limiting my job role because I have a lack of to pursue what I might have done if my life had not been blighted by this sentence. Others spoke about having to access solicitors but found out due to cut backs and legal aid there was no solicitors in the area taken on prisoners. Another said my whole life is centred on my partner the phone call letters emails solicitors petitions processes interviews I do them all it’s completely taken over my life and consumed me.  No support organisations. In terms of family relationships you might expect a significant effect on the dynamics of the family so for example. 

Other respondent spoke about his Son has tantrums he screams and shouts it affected him going to the prison to see his father as its never ending. So the mum does not take into that and he has not seen his dad for 2 years. Special occasions are tainted by the relative such as birthday charismas these very special occasions are a reminder he is not here.

 

Martin Jones, blog)

What is clear is that the Parole Board can play its part to help family members of IPP prisoners. For example, the work we are carrying out to reduce the number of deferrals — we know the impact such delays have on prisoners and their families. Another way we can help is by doing our main role well — ensuring that we continue to deliver timely hearings in a safe manner. To do that we need a steady stream of members joining the Parole Board.The IPP sentence was abolished in 2012, but not retrospectively, and many prisoners remain in custody years after their original tariff has expired. Since the abolition of the sentence, the headline IPP prison population has now fallen by 57% — from a peak of 6,080 in 2012 down to 2,598 by 30 September 2018. These cases are some of the most complex that come before the Board and so, despite increased progression rates in recent years, there is further work to be done across the system.

What is clear is that the Parole Board can play its part to help family members of IPP prisoners. For example, the work we are carrying out to reduce the number of deferrals — we know the impact such delays have on prisoners and their families.

 

Whilst this progress is encouraging, the number of IPP prisoners recalled to custody continues to rise. Without further legislative change the legacy of IPP prisoners will remain for many years to come, not least because and it can be expected that the rate of progression will slow down as the number of IPP prisoners in the system falls.

‘It's like hell’: women launch hunger strike against their" indefinite detention.

 Scores of people in Britain's only women's removal centre have launched a hunger strike to protest against their indefinite detention, describing living in the centre as a form of "hell".

Forty-three women are said to be taking part in the protest in Yarl's Wood, which began on Sunday. They are boycotting the dining room and refusing to eat.

One woman taking part in the strike, who wished to be referred to only as Adesola, said some of the women had been in Britain for more than 20 years and had partners and children in the country.

Speaking from inside Yarl's Wood, she said: “A lot of people got married in this country. These women have got family here; they’ve got children; they’ve got partners. Some have been here for 27 years, and still they want to send them back. 

“They don’t want to go. But they will drag them. People have no rights at all, no dignity. They are going to drag them by force.”

A watchdog report published last year found the majority of women held at the controversial detention centre were later released into the community, raising questions about why they were ever detained.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons also raised concerns over the continued detention of women who had been tortured and two responses where the Home Office had refused, without explanation, to accept that rape came within the legal definition of torture.

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who has pledged to close down the centre if Labour gets into power, said: “Having visited Yarl’s Wood I witnessed the real suffering of these women and their desperation at being detained without hope of release. 

 What about the IPP prisoners!!!

“Indefinite detention is cruel and this approach has failed. The government needs to end this disastrous, inhumane  system and to end the failed ‘hostile environment’ approach. Only then will we see the change we need."

Describing conditions in Yarl’s Wood, Adesola, who has been there for two months, said: “We haven’t got any human rights at all. They don’t care about our health. We’ve got a lot of people here with high need. 
....................................................

  What are the duty and responsibilities of a member of parliament ( MPs)

Raising issues affecting their constituents, attending debates and voting on new laws. This can either be by asking a question of a government minister on your behalf or supporting and highlighting particular campaigns which local people feel strongly about. 

 Write to them recognising MPs are not replying to your letters and this could be a possible life or death situation for prisoner or continents families the stats say it all,worse as you stroll down the link, below .

We all know the issues with Mps not reply to letters or emails and It is not good enough the current situation MPs are just sending electronic acknowledgment we don’t tend to write to our MP to say hello. 
When I sent the  the stats I am not surprised my local MP Shuker  has a low score and he was  front bencher on the stat dates. 

Recent I wrote to him to keep him updated on the IPP situation but got an electronic acknowledgment and prior to that I wrote asking him to ask what he was doing to help? I got no reply.There does not seem to be any performance tables  if you write  to your MP through your own personal email account. I’m sure if we had performance tables based on replys to personal emails there would be far more serious stats because most people use this method to write to their MP.

If you write to your Mp through “write to them at least for now there is some way of finding out who is really doing their job? Having said that they need to update stats regular other wise oldwhats the point.

Two weeks ago I wrote to the Justice Minister I am still waiting for a reply back.  

Have you written to a MP or other because you have been struggling with something you feel strong about such as the IPP prisoners but haven’t received a reply on more than one occasion over a period of time? Email katherinegleeson@aol.com Addresses and names can be taken out.

Write to your Mp demand there next date in  parliament they bring up the IPP prisoners and to inform you of the date. If  we all do tthe same we will hearing debats in parliament. Christmas in drawing near lets make Sunday 2nd Nobember our objective to write and that goes for all supporters as well.

https://www.writetothem.com/

And you will get a message like this back  if they havent resonded a reminder to to send again so keep copys.

Has Gavin Shuker MP replied to your message?

Two weeks ago, you used WriteToThem.com to send a message to Gavin Shuker MP.

Did Gavin Shuker MP reply to your message?

	Yes, they replied
	Yes, but I don't think my question was answered
	Yes, but it was only an acknowledgement
	No, but I didn't expect/require a response No, they have not replied

Your feedback allows us to publish performance tables of the responsiveness of all the politicians in the UK. We are keen to give politicians the credit they deserve when they respond promptly to their constituents. We think it's also worth highlighting the representatives who don't.

 Check how your MP's doing here: www.writetothem.com/stats

A copy of your letter is below. Note that we do not keep a copy of your letter on file, so please keep this email for your records.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chief-executives-blog-3rd-edition-october-2018

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/yarls-wood-women-hunger-strike

 May Bulman Social Affairs Correspondent @maybulman