The country is polarised between those who would pursue a hard Brexit, which is where the prime minister is, and Remain.
— David Gauke
I would make the case that the vast majority of prisoners leave prison and go back into society. We share that society with them and what sort of people do we want them to be.
My position was that if the country could unite around a soft Brexit that would be the least worst way through. But it is now very clear that the country is not going to unite around a soft Brexit. There is nobody really advocating a soft Brexit.
We’ve got an outstanding justice system. Our judiciary are respected around the world. It is a key part of what we are as a country. It’s an area where there is a strong political consensus behind that and perhaps in an era of populism it’s important that we preserve those qualities.
The best way of ensuring that we get what we need is by demonstrating we have a clear plan, we are thinking strategically and ensuring every pound of taxpayer’s money is spent wisely and my focus is ensuring we do that.
