Andy Aitchison

AI chatbots could help stop prisoner release errors, says justice minister HMP Wandsworth gets ‘green light’ to use AI after team sent in to find ‘quick fixes’ after spate of mistakes

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Amazing story in The Times. Reform UK failed to pay VAT to HMRC on its sales (tickets, merchandise). About £400k in all.

Not tax avoidance. Not tax evasion. They just didn't realise when you sell stuff you have to charge VAT.

Pleased to chair an APPG on Miscarriages of Justice meeting on Dr Lucy Welsh & Dr Amy Clarke’s research into experiences of accessing justice through the CCRC. It was a powerful & insightful discussion on what more must be done to remove barriers & deliver real reform.

📸 @andyaitchison.bsky.social

What a great film! Well worth 2 mins of your time to know a little bit more about some of the incredible work that goes on to support those affected by the IPP scandal. Great to see the pictures I made a few years back for @ungripp.bsky.social on display again in a new venue.

About 2 mins from where the bibby Stockholm was. There is also the option of the Verne up there as well although I think that's a bit hidden way.

too many houses on the other side?

might be possible at Portland, although a bit of a trek!

A man on the streets of the UK is asked about the “problem of immigration” and dismantles talking points with ease.

I've spoken to so many people inside prison who are on IPP and recalled for various reasons, most are not crime related but simple mix ups propelled by a lack of probation staff to support them. Something has to change. Re-sentencing is a good start.

Great to see this picture in use already! Thanks for sharing, it was my favourite picture as well.

I managed to capture the great work of @giveabookorg.bsky.social on a recent trip into HMP Isis, the first few hours in a cell with nothing must be an incredibly difficult time, having access to something to read is essential.

Call to crack down on ‘hooch’ and medicine in prisons after Dorset death Coroner asks ministers to reduce inmates’ access to illicitly brewed alcohol and medication after prisoner died

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Our Médecins Sans Frontières staff are being killed in Gaza. Why are UK ministers enabling that? | Natalie Roberts Britain has a duty to act morally, and stop supporting this genocide, says Médecins Sans Frontières UK executive director Dr Natalie Roberts

Absolute despair that this still has to be shouted about.

When will killing of children, health workers and starving people trying to get food stop?

Another important campaign I worked on for Oxfam with the incredible Lisa Rutherford.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Should taxpayers pay for solar panels to be installed on homes?

Solar panels can be installed on flats thanks to work from Emergent Energy's Reg Platt. He says taxpayers foot clean energy upgrade bill.

Great to attend the launch of this report last night, let's hope this is another step in the right direction towards re-sentencing and releasing those serving IPP sentences.

Eight people face the camera in front of a Howard League banner, in a committee room in the House of Lords. A woman with brown hair holds a copy of the report.

Here are some of the members of a working group we convened to explore ways to end the IPP scandal. Have you read their recommendations yet?

The report was launched last night in the House of Lords, and you can read it here: howardleague.org/publications...

📸 @andyaitchison.bsky.social

Keir Starmer must end the injustice of indefinite sentences today Editorial: There are thousands of people in prison in Britain with no release date, serving sentences that were abolished in 2012

‘Keir Starmer must end the injustice of indefinite sentences today’

www.independent.co.uk/voices/edito...

New hope for end to ‘cruel experiment’ of indefinite jail terms Exclusive: Top justice experts urge government to finally end IPP sentences with a string of new measures

"A panel convened by the Howard League will urge the government on Monday to take 'long overdue' action to restore hope to 2,614 inmates still trapped under the outlawed jail terms, which have been described as a 'monstrous blot' on our justice system."

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...

The photo shows a long line of marchers on the People's Assembly march in London with the PCS balloon in the foreground, alongside a People's Assembly banner which reads tax the rich

PCS marchers are in the midst of the action on the @peoplesassembly.bsky.social march in London today, alongside our splendid balloon. Photo by @andyaitchison.bsky.social #WelfareNotWarfare

Exterior view of a houseblock in Coldingley prison. Eight barred windows, arranged in two rows of four, set in a brown brick wall.

There are 87,864 people in prison in England and Wales today.

Explore the 'Prison Watch' section of our website for more information about the prison population: howardleague.org/prison-watch/

📸 @andyaitchison.bsky.social

Drought conditions already hitting UK crop production, farmers say Environment Agency recommends rationing water as UK sees driest start to spring in 69 years

Scandalous.
As the UK faces its driest spring in 69 years, water companies are « simply praying for rain ».
Meanwhile, they’ve handed £85bn to shareholders since privatisation.
We are being scammed. It's time to bring water back in public hands.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Coaches Michael and Frank are busy preparing to deliver Black Hero's Journey in HMP Isis to mark Black Inclusion Week between 12th - 18th May!

Read our Black Hero's Journey Report to find what makes this programme so powerful: www.sparkinside.org/news/black-h...

📸: @andyaitchison.bsky.social

One of the projects I'm most proud of in my career is another step closure to the goal. Thank you @tricksterprince.bsky.social for all your hard work on this, can't wait to see what the team at @bluecoatpress.bsky.social come up with.

Fantastic work @sparkinside.bsky.social So important.

Black ex-prison officer says he has flashbacks after extreme racist abuse at Kent jail Exclusive: Uzo Mbonu describes being targeted and ‘completely isolated’ by colleagues at HMP Swaleside

A very worrying story, if certain officers are treating their colleagues like this how do we think they are treating the people locked up? www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Finally a sensible solution. Accepting people in France could stop the dangerous small boats overnight and give people a much safer way to get to the UK.

this post is brilliant for their social media account, whoever does Comms for the @maryrosemuseum.bsky.social deserves a pay rise. I had no idea it was that far down.

Muslim prisoners in England more likely to be subjected to force, charity finds Freedom of information requests reveal disproportionate use of batons and rigid handcuffs for Muslims behind bars

Muslim prisoners in England more likely to be subjected to force, charity finds
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Accreditation for Shannon Trust literacy mentors Prisoners who volunteer as Shannon Trust mentors to teach other prisoners to read will receive nationally-recognised qualifications under a scheme introduced by the charity. The awards, accredited …

Really proud of the work I have done over the last 8 years with the @shannontrust.bsky.social, great to see their fantastic mentors getting official accreditation for their hard work. They really are changing lives.
insidetime.org/uncategorise...

Security fencing at Guys Marsh prison.

There are 87,919 men, women and children in prison in England and Wales today.

The number rose by 235 last week – about one-sixth of the capacity of Millsike, the new jail just opened.

We cannot build our way out of this crisis: howardleague.org/prison-watch/

📸 @andyaitchison.bsky.social