Such comparative research might show that America would be safer if it focused more on policing and Europe would do better by increasing sentences.

ECONOMIST: Letters

But sentences should reflect a better understanding of what works to reduce the "serious matter" of re-offending, he added, saying re-offenders "are likely to commit more serious crime".

BBC: Prison reform plans welcomed by Lib Dem peer

The plans would mean the development of drug and alcohol treatment programmes within community sentences, identifying and treating mental illness in offenders, and better investment in prisoner education which will "lead to jobs on release", he told peers.

BBC: Prison reform plans welcomed by Lib Dem peer