For the last few months I've been working on a new documentary podcast series: Trapped - The IPP Prisoner Scandal.
The first episode of eight drops tomorrow 🎙
You can listen to the trailer on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Acast or wherever you listen to your podcasts now.
Feel hugely grateful to have been given the opportunity to do this and follow up on the investigation I did for Open Democracy last year.
The now abolished sentence has been called both a “stain on the British justice system” and a “fundamental miscarriage of justice”. Yet year after year, thousands of people, many locked up for minor crimes stay languishing in prison, their mental health deteriorating and their chances of being released diminishing.
The series is produced by Zinc Media and I've been lucky to work with a great team of people. We've been able to speak to MPs, Lords, lawyers, prisoners inside and on parole and their families.
Here's an exclusive clip with Lord Blunkett:
Look out for episode 1 tomorrow!
There's a new secretary of state for justice which has given fresh hope that these people will finally get justice. If you listen to the series and want to do something you can write to your MP - and tell them to raise questions about IPP prisoners in parliament. Some campaigners have started a petition hosted on the UK government website. Search the hashtag #JusticeForIPPs on social media for more info.
For more information about the Campaign for Justice for IPPs prisoners: Contact UNGRIPP or on Twitter @UNGRIPP
Follow the series on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Acast or search for Trapped: The IPP Prisoner Scandal wherever you listen to your podcasts.