Closed petition Install in-cell telephones in all prison cells

Closed on 11 August 2021

In-cell telephones in all prisons would strengthen family ties and reduce distress for the families of prisoners.

A 2017 review by Lord Farmer found that strong ties between prisoners and their families can help to reduce reoffending.

Without in-cell telephones, prisoners must use a communal phone which can generally only be accessed during daytime office hours.

This leaves prisoners unable to contact family members who have daytime work or educational commitments.

This is distressing not only for the prisoner, but also for their loved ones, who have committed no offences but are equally deprived of contact.

In-cell telephones in all prisons would strengthen family ties and reduce distress for the families of prisoners.