Are ‘inhumane’ sentences fuelling the prison crisis? Readers weigh in

Readers discuss the overhwlem of UK prisons, the idea of using navy ships to stop small boat crossings and seagulls (Picture: Getty Images) Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments Set free those serving 'totalitarian and vindictive IPP sentences', says reader Rather than freeing cop killers and domestic violence abusers on early release (MetroTalk, passim), one way to reduce prison overcrowding is to set free all those still rotting in jail under the totalitarian and vindictive IPP sentences. These open-ended ‘imprisonment for public protection’ terms were handed out between 2005 and 2012 for prisoners deemed dangerous. They have been labelled ‘inhumane’ by the UN. One of more than 2,000 people still serving them is Shaun Lloyd, jailed for two years nine months in 2006 for a robbery he committed when he was 18 (Metro, Thu). That, I reply to the anonymous and mealy-mouthed government spokesperson you quoted, is ‘what can be done’. They should be left to start over with clean slates. Mark Taha, London Would it be a good idea to get prisoners to aid construction of new prisons? Regarding Martin’s plan to get prisoners to aid in the construction of new prisons (MetroTalk, Fri). A large number of World War II bombs failed to explode due to sabotage by the prisoners-of-war who had to make them under forced labour. If you want badly made prison walls and mortar that can crumble, sure, let them ‘help’. Nick, Edinburgh ‘Australia has successfully used its military to halt small-boat crossings’ Retired Royal Navy lieutenant commander Lester May (MetroTalk, Thu) might wish to scoff at Reform UK’s policy to use the Navy to stop small-boat crossings as ‘unworkable’, and to call upon Count Binface to advise Nigel Farage on the matter. Since 2013, however, Australia has successfully used its military as a way of entirely halting this form of migration. The country’s border security states it has ‘intercepted every boat attempting to enter illegally’. No doubt this fact would wipe the smile off the face of Binface. Liam, Salford ‘Seagulls don’t deserve the attitude most people have of them’ Regarding the Hogwarts Express guard whose dropped tenner was returned as if by magic by a seagull a fortnight later (Metro, Thu). Why not say thank you to nature by giving the bird some chips? But, not being funny, seagulls don’t deserve the attitude most people have of them. They’re intelligent creatures that can recognise individual people. They mate for life and are devoted parents who feed their grown-up chicks for up to two years. People are often scared of things they don’t understand. Herring gulls don’t swoop down and grab your street food because they hate you – they do it because they’re starving! Kate, Wirral Reader advocates for The Viking Coastal Trail in Kent I was interested in your article about the best cycling, walking and running routes (Metro newspaper, Thu). In my opinion, though, you missed the best one – The Viking Coastal Trail in Kent. It’s a cycle route of 32 miles that includes Reculver and its towers and Minster. It should really be called the Thanet Trail because it circles the ancient island of Thanet. During Roman times, there was a sea passage called the Wantsum Channel that completely cut off Thanet from the mainland. It’s a beautiful ride along the cliffs of north Kent. I cycled it a few weeks ago. Those interested can find out more on my blog flynharris.blogspot.com. Graham Harris, via email Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments Arrow MORE: Jennifer Aniston wears Archies flip flops and shoppers say they can walk for hours pain-free Arrow MORE: These are the perfumes beauty lovers wear when they want endless compliments Arrow MORE: The best body scrubs for silky smooth skin, tested by a beauty journalist Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!