CORSTON REPORT

Early day motion 1183, tabled 21 March 2007 by Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 38 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of the Corston Report on women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system; notes the devastating effect that imprisonment has on the children of women offenders; expresses serious concern at the fact that only five per cent. of children whose mothers are imprisoned are able to remain in the family home; believes that imprisoning mothers can cause irreparable damage to children and is a decision that should not be taken lightly; welcomes evidence from the organisation Smart Justice that 73 per cent. of the public do not think mothers of young children who commit non-violent crime should be locked up; and calls on the Government to implement Baroness Corston's recommendations and where possible facilitate the creation of small, local custody units.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 21, Labour 14, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.