Paul Davies MP
Member of Parliament for Colne ValleyMore than half of people in UK prisons cannot read beyond primary-school level. Writing exclusively for Chamber UK, Paul Davies says that until we treat literacy as central to sentencing reform, rehabilitation will keep failing, communities will keep paying, and a rare chance for real change will slip through our fingers.
In the midst of debates on sentencing reform, one issue remains dangerously overlooked: literacy in our prisons. The Sentencing Bill currently before Parliament offers a chance to rethink rehabilitation, but unless literacy is placed at the heart of these reforms, we risk missing a transformative opportunity.
Today, more than 57 per cent of adults in UK prisons read below the level of an average 11-year-old. This isn’t just a statistic, it’s a crisis. It means thousands of people behind bars struggle to read a letter from their child, understand the terms of their release or fill out a job application. Without literacy, rehabilitation is not just difficult, it’s nearly impossible.
Literacy is more than a skill. It’s a foundation for dignity, independence, and change. If we are serious about reducing reoffending – which costs the UK an estimated £18 billion annually – we must invest in education behind bars. Prisoners who engage in education are up to one-third less likely to reoffend. That’s not simply good policy, it’s common sense.
Why the Sentencing Bill Must Go Further
The Sentencing Bill introduces flexible probation requirements and allows for early termination of community orders when rehabilitation goals are met. These are welcome steps. But we must go further.
First, literacy must be embedded into every sentence plan. Probation officers should assess reading levels and set clear, achievable goals. These goals should be tied to rehabilitation milestones and early release, creating a tangible incentive for progress.
Second, we must properly fund prison education. Some institutions face cuts of up to 60 per cent in their education provision. That’s not just short-sighted, it’s self-defeating. If we want fewer people to return to prison, we must invest in the tools that help them stay out.
Third, learning must be accessible and inclusive. Many prisoners have had negative experiences with traditional education. We need creative approaches – digital platforms, peer mentoring, and informal learning environments like workshops and libraries. In places such as HMP Humber, volunteer-led reading groups and peer mentoring schemes are already helping people rediscover learning and self-worth. Education should meet people where they are.
Finally, we must celebrate success. When someone learns to read for the first time or earns a qualification, it’s a milestone worth recognising. These achievements should be rewarded and used as evidence of rehabilitation.
Literacy as a Public Safety Strategy
I believe the Sentencing Bill begins to address these issues. But we must ensure that literacy is not an afterthought – it must be a cornerstone – because nearly everyone in prison will be released one day. The question is: what kind of person do we want walking out those gates?
By prioritising literacy in our prisons, we’re not just investing in individuals, we’re investing in safer communities. When people leave prison with the ability to read, write and communicate effectively, they are far more likely to find stable employment, engage positively with others and contribute to society. This reduces the risk of reoffending and breaks cycles of crime that harm families and neighbourhoods.
Here in Colne Valley, and across West Yorkshire, employers are crying out for skilled, reliable workers. If we can equip people in custody with the literacy and confidence they need to take those roles, we not only change their lives but also strengthen our regional economy. Literacy is not a luxury, it’s a public safety strategy. And if we get it right, everyone benefits.