Backlash after Green candidate calls for abolition of prisons
Green MSP candidate Kate Nevens said she wants the “complete abolition” of Scotland’s prison estate.
John Swinney has said there is “no rational argument” for abolishing prisons after a Green candidate said she wanted no jails in Scotland.
Kate Nevens said she wants the “complete abolition” of Scotland’s prison estate.
Ms Nevens is the Green candidate for Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith and is second on the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list - meaning she has a good chance of becoming an MSP.
The First Minister said he would not “entertain such an idea”, while Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said it shows the Greens “don't live in the real world”.
Ms Nevens described herself as an "abolitionist" who wants "to see the complete abolition" of the prison system in Scotland.
She said: "Prisons are not safe, they're violent, they're poor for people's health and wellbeing, particularly if you're a woman. And they fail to support rehabilitation.
"So actually they do not make those of us who are not breaking the law safer either."
She said the Green’s "ultimate goal" was to "not have the prisons system as it is right now".
The MSP candidate said the party wanted to "massively" reduce the number of people being sent to jail and focus on "community justice", such as to electronic tagging and un-paid or low-paid work as alternatives to custody.
Ms Nevens doubled down in a later post saying she was "still keen to live in a Scotland with no prisons".
The idea was dismissed by the FM on a visit to Leith in Edinburgh on Tuesday morning.
Asked about the call to abolish prisons, Mr Swinney said: "At no stage would I entertain such an idea."
He added: "I think there's no case to be made for abolishing prisons. I just don't think there's any rational argument for it."
Scottish Labour leader Mr Sarwar also rubbished the idea on a visit in Glasgow on Tuesday.
He told the BBC: “It demonstrates they don't live in the real world.
“Of course, we wish there was no crime, but we don't live in that ideal world.
“We do have a crime, but people who commit crimes should be forced to pay the price for their crimes, and in the appropriate circumstances, of course, that includes prison sentences too.
“So if you want real world action, if you want to make sure we have safer streets and stronger communities, then vote Scottish Labour this election.”
A Greens spokesperson said jails should only be used as a last resort but have not called for their abolition.
A Green spokesperson said: "The evidence shows prison sentences result in high reoffending rates, which does little to keep the public safe in the long term.
"That's why our starting point is an assumption against custodial sentences for non-violent crimes.
"All forms of detention should be used as a last resort - mainly for violent crimes - and done to protect people and society where there is no alternative."
It comes as Scotland's prison population reached a record high last month despite several tranches of early release for inmates.
Hundreds of prisoners serving sentences of less than four years have been let out early since November in an attempt to reduce overcrowding.
Those convicted of domestic abuse or sexual offences are not included in the scheme.
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