McArthur responds to Barlinnie at risk of "catastrophic failure”

Responding to comments made to the BBC by the governor of Barlinnie Prison, Michael Stoney, in which he indicated that the jail is so overcrowded and outdated that it risks “catastrophic failure” at any time, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:  

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have been highlighting for years the serious problems of overcrowding across Scotland’s prison estate. Michael Stoney’s comments are a damning indictment of the failure to replace Scotland's largest prison within a reasonable timescale.

"The project to replace Barlinnie has turned into a farce. Earlier estimates, costs and timescales have been abandoned and replaced with a holding statement.

“We know that overcrowding has led to spiralling rates of self-harm and puts prisoners and prison staff at risk.  

“While a replacement prison is being developed, the government must provide resources to support staff and ensure that high standards of safety are met and maintained. This is the only way to successfully rehabilitate people, reduce re-offending and build safer communities."