MOTHERS IN PRISON

Early day motion 942, tabled 25 March 2003 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House notes with concern the estimate by the Howard League for Penal Reform that 9000 children under 16 years of age will be separated from their mother on Mothers' Day, as she will be in prison; appreciates that the imprisonment of a mother has a profound impact on children, particularly their development and future prospects; and calls upon the Government to review sentencing policy to ensure that prison is only used as a last resort, especially taking into account the effect on children of imprisoning their mother.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.