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UK PARLIAMENT · FORMER

Kate Nevens

Scottish Green Party · Scotland

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

We should be building a justice system that is focused on harm prevention, safety and accountability rather than on punishment. For me, that still means a system in which people who pose a violent threat to communities are removed for our safety, but that system can and should look very different from our current, broken prison system.

MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-06-25 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT

It is a problem that is further exacerbated by the huge issue of overcrowding, which, as the cabinet secretary mentioned, makes it difficult for prisons to engage everyone in activities that help with rehabilitation, such as exercise, education, employment and training. We urgently need to rethink our approach.

MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-06-25 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Stephen Kerr: I am grateful to Kate Nevens for giving way on that point. Fairly or unfairly, a view has been attributed to her about the future of prisons.

MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-06-25 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Almost half of people arriving to prisons in 2024-25 were from the 20 per cent most deprived areas of Scotland. According to the Prison Reform Trust, 70 per cent of women prisoners in Scotland report that they have been a victim of domestic abuse or violence from their partner. I thank Carol Mochan for bringing up women in prison.

MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-06-25 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT

I am really grateful that we are having this discussion. Although we may all have slightly different approaches on exactly what needs to happen to address the problems with our current prison system— Mark Simpson: Will the member take an intervention? Kate Nevens: I will make some progress, but thank you.

MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-06-25 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT

If someone goes into prison experiencing housing insecurity, they are far more likely to become homeless again on their release, and they are likely to have lost the community support networks that they had before entering prison.

MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-06-25 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT

The complete record

Every one of 51 lines we hold for Kate Nevens, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.

  1. I make this affirmation to the sovereign people of Scotland and pledge that, in all my actions, the interests of the Scottish people shall be paramount over and above those of the monarchy. I, Kate Nevens, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.

    MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENT, 2026-05-14 · READ THE OFFICIAL REPORT