Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

We all agree that if we possibly can we should keep young people out of custody. Where, alas, that is not possible—I think everyone agrees that sometimes it is not possible, whether it is before trial or as a result of sentence—it is vital that we differentiate between those who are over 18 and those who are under 18 as regards where they are placed. We would argue, too, that it is important that 17 year-olds are not placed with 14 year-olds. It is vital that all is done when they are in custody to try to rehabilitate them. We are all at one on that. The problem is that we do not solve this problem as quickly or as easily as we would like to and it remains a problem for one Government to another Government, and then maybe one day to a third Government. I hope the Committee will feel that this Government, as much as any previous or likely Government, are committed to trying to ensure that our young people, who have their particular problems and issues, are treated in a way that gives them the very best chance of being rehabilitated and leading ordinary, secure and lawful lives.