Billy Bragg, members of Radiohead and Pink Floyd have called on the government to overturn a blanket ban on guitars in prisons.
12 songwriters and musicians, including Richard Hawley and Speech Debelle, made the plea in an open letter published by the Guardian.
The letter stated: ’As musicians, we are concerned to hear that the use of steel-strung guitars is being prohibited in prisons.
‘We believe music has an important role to play in engaging prisoners in the process of rehabilitation. However, this ability will be seriously undermined if inmates are unable to practise between group sessions.’
The musicians also said that since the introduction of the new rule last October, there has been a ‘worrying rise’ in the number of self-inflicted deaths in prisons.
‘Since October 2013, when only one death was reported, there have been a total of 50 self-inflicted deaths, over double the figure for the same period last year.
‘We would like to know whether the recent changes to the treatment of prisoners - which includes restrictions on books and steel-strung guitars - could be at the root of this steep increase in fatalities.’
The letter urges minister for justice Chris Grayling to investigate the causes behind the sudden increase in deaths.
Singer songwriter Billy Bragg is also behind the Jail Guitar Doors initiative. The scheme was set up in 2007 to provide instruments for the rehabilitation of inmates. Visit the Jail Guitar Doors website to find out more.
12 songwriters and musicians, including Richard Hawley and Speech Debelle, made the plea in an open letter published by the Guardian.
The letter stated: ’As musicians, we are concerned to hear that the use of steel-strung guitars is being prohibited in prisons.
‘We believe music has an important role to play in engaging prisoners in the process of rehabilitation. However, this ability will be seriously undermined if inmates are unable to practise between group sessions.’
The musicians also said that since the introduction of the new rule last October, there has been a ‘worrying rise’ in the number of self-inflicted deaths in prisons.
‘Since October 2013, when only one death was reported, there have been a total of 50 self-inflicted deaths, over double the figure for the same period last year.
‘We would like to know whether the recent changes to the treatment of prisoners - which includes restrictions on books and steel-strung guitars - could be at the root of this steep increase in fatalities.’
The letter urges minister for justice Chris Grayling to investigate the causes behind the sudden increase in deaths.
Singer songwriter Billy Bragg is also behind the Jail Guitar Doors initiative. The scheme was set up in 2007 to provide instruments for the rehabilitation of inmates. Visit the Jail Guitar Doors website to find out more.
