No 'prison parties' says No 10 after Blunt comments

No 'prison parties' says No 10 after Blunt comments

Justice Minister Crispin Blunt has been over-ruled by No 10 after he suggested prisoners could be allowed to hold parties.

Mr Blunt said Winston Churchill approved of cultural events for prisoners like lectures and concerts

Justice Minister Crispin Blunt said a ban on "inappropriate" prison events, introduced in 2008 after reports of fancy dress parties, was "daft".

He blamed the media for an "absurd over-reaction" over the issue.

But No 10 insisted there would be "no such parties" after Mr Blunt's comments were reported in a newspaper.

David Cameron's spokesman said the prime minister retained full confidence in the minister.

Mr Blunt made the remarks in a speech on the "direction and reform" of the criminal justice system, his first major address on the issue since taking office.

Link to speech in full.

Adverse media reaction in The Sun and Daily Mail.

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