The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.
The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.
The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.

Our vision

Lessons from Norway

This paper shows how Norwegian prisons focus on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates. It also explores the UK prison system and how we can reform it.

At the top of the paper is a pink strip with the words "Centre Think Tank ISSN 2634-4696". Below this is a paper cover in light blue on a blue background. The title is the words "Lessons from Norway. How we can improve our prisons by learning from Norway." Under this is an image of a man in a construction outfit, including an orange hard hat, brown vest and blue trousers, using a drill on the ground. Under this are the words "Briefing paper. By Lauren Davison, August 1st, 2022."

Lessons from Norway: How we can improve our prisons by learning from Norway.

This paper looks at the issues with our justice system and how we can learn from Norway to improve it. It sets out how the UK can create a justice system that focuses on rehabilitation, education, and reducing reoffending rates.
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Quick summary

  • The UK has a broken prison system, and it is getting worse. There are high levels of reoffending, decreasing budgets, unsafe areas within prisons, and overcrowding.
  • To improve our prisons, we should look to Norway. They have lower reoffending rates and, rather than our focus on punishment, instead focus on ensuring people are good neighbours when released.
  • We need to improve prisons by upgrading them, ensuring prisoners have their own space to live in, and giving prisoners more opportunities to learn new skills.
  • To reduce the number of people in prisons, we should focus more on reducing the number of shorter sentences given out.

Authors

Cllr Lauren Davison

City Councillor

Lauren is a Councillor in Stoke-on-Trent. She currently serves as National Secretary for Open Labour, previously held the role of Women and Equalities Officer for the Young Fabians, and holds a Masters degree in Criminology.

Foreword

Lord Hanson

Minister of State in the Home Office

David Hanson is the Minister of State in the Home Office and is a Member of the House of Lords. He was Labour Member of Parliament for Delyn for twenty-seven years and during this time held several ministerial positions. These included the Minister of State for Justice, Northern Ireland Office, and Security, Counter-Terrorism, Crime and Policing in the Home Office. David also served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Tony Blair.