Prisons inspector accuses ministers of prisons 'failure'

The chief inspector of prisons has attacked the state of prisons in England and Wales after dozens of full jails were told to take more inmates.

Nick Hardwick said "political and policy failure" was behind dangerous overcrowding in the publicly-run jails.

All but six of the jails told to raise their "operational capacity" are full or overcrowded. The justice secretary called the move a "precaution".

Extra places have been purchased in private jails, it was announced in May.

(And much more at the link):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27847007