Prisoners' lifestyle

Allegations that prisoners enjoy a "cushy" lifestyle have triggered debate about the way the country's prisons are run.

Glyn Travis of the Prison Officers' Association is responsible for the furore after he alleged even those prisoners given the opportunity to escape decline to do so.

Striking the balance between punishment and rehabilitation is at the heart of debates about the prison service and the government insists it balances these needs fairly.

But there remains concern about whether escapes, prison security and inmates' protection from drugs are being appropriately dealt with.

Recent criticism has focused on overcrowding, amid allegations that full support for prisoners is not being met because of staff's limited resources.

Today's claims from Mr Travis go further, however, suggesting deeper underlying problems within Britain's prisons.

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