National calls for prison U-turn

National is calling for the Government to make another policy U-turn, this time on its plan to close Auckland's highly successful privately run prison.

"Auckland's privately-run prison is a major success story. Compared with Government-run prisons, taxpayers get more for less," says Mr Ryall.

"Auckland Central Remand prison does more to rehabilitate and educate than Government prisons. It also enjoys wide community support for its approach and environment.

"The next National Government will expand the use of private prisons to help crack down on the growing crime rate.

"Prison works. If a criminal is locked up then they can't assault or violate other citizens. Increased imprisonment must be a part of any successful crime control plan.

"Britain's Auditor-General says private prisons have driven up standards and improved efficiency across the whole system.

"Private prisons are being expanded throughout Australia, Britain, Canada and South Africa. That's because they work better.

"National will ask the private sector to build and manage all future prisons," said Mr Ryall.

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