Jenny Riddell

25/1/10

Well, it’s an interesting idea, this Tory dream. In fact, it summons up romantic images of the classic 1973 film ‘Papillon’ . A personal all time favorite.

 Cameron’s floating prison proposal is an imaginative attempt to tackle the unpopular early release scheme. Apparently, 75,000 inmates have been released early since Gordon Brown came to power and that 1,500 offences have been committed by people on early release.

Not that it’s a particularly new or novel idea, mind. Britain’s last floating jail, HMP The Weare, was sold in 2005 after eight years holding prisoners off Portland – Dorset.  OK, admittedly Portland’s not quite as romantic a destination as Papillon’s chosen island Guiana, South America. But I’d settle for less.

Maybe the government could turn this into a money making, Victorian-esque seaside parade? I can hear the town crier now: Roll out the pomp and circumstance and wave your flags, the men in black and white stripes are docking in town!