Former justice secretary Chris Grayling MP came under fire from the Prime Minister and prisoners this week, but insisted his justice reforms have set a positive foundation to build upon.

David Cameron blasted the “failure” of the current prison system as “scandalous” in a speech on Monday, February 8.

From February 8: Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling under fire as David Cameron will say "failure" of prison system is "scandalous"

But Mr Grayling praised the Prime Minister’s speech in the House of Commons, and said Mr Cameron’s proposed reforms – including granting more autonomy to prison governors – build on what he achieved as justice secretary.

From February 1: Chris Grayling admits to 'robust discussions' with prisons inspector following allegations he tried to influence a report

From February 5: Justice Secretary Michael Gove to undo Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling's controversial £100million legal aid reforms

The Prime Minister also outlined plans for six ‘reform prisons’ to be built in unnamed locations in England and Wales and promised to protect the £130m prison education budget.

Mr Cameron said: “Current levels of prison violence, drug-taking and self-harm should shame us all.

“In a typical week there will be almost 600 incidents of self-harm, at least one suicide and 350 assaults including 90 on staff across the UK.”

Figures published by the Ministry of Justice last week showed that 89 of the country’s prisoners took their own lives last year.

Surrey Comet:

Mr Cameron said: "We need prisons. Some people - including, of course, rapists, murderers, child abusers, gang leaders - belong in them.

"I also strongly believe that we must offer chances to change; that for those trying hard to turn themselves around, we should offer hope; that in a compassionate country, we should help those who've made mistakes to find their way back onto the right path."

But Mr Cameron also praised Mr Grayling for a "good start" as his Government seek to further reform prisons.

He said: "I want to thank Ken Clarke and Chris Grayling for the good start we made in this area in Government – and Nick Herbert for changing our party’s approach on prisons in opposition. 

"In reforming prisons, we need to look no further than the approach we’ve taken in reforming other public services."

During a visit to Onley prison in Rugby, aired on Channel 4 News, Mr Gove, who took over from Mr Grayling, introduced himself to an inmate.

The prisoner said: "You’re the new prisons minister, yeah? Do a better job than that last one, yeah?”

But Mr Grayling remained defiant about his record as justice secretary after standing down in May 2015.

Surrey Comet:

Chris Grayling (pictured above) told the Epsom Guardian: "I have nothing to add.

“It was a good speech (by Mr Cameron). He praised my work.

"It builds on what I was already doing."

Chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, Frances Crook, meanwhile welcomed Mr Cameron’s proposals for prison reform.

She said: “Prisons are currently violent and overcrowded. As such, they fail everyone: victims, the public, staff and prisoners themselves.

“Prison reform, however, is the tip of the iceberg. Improved education and increased autonomy for governors will not work if there are people crammed into filthy institutions with no staff to open the cell doors.

“We need action now to tackle sentence inflation and the profligate use of prison. Then the Prime Minister’s vision can become a reality.”

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