http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6295613.stm
Tony Blair has defended a move to ask judges to jail only the most dangerous and persistent criminals.
The prime minister told the Commons that Home Secretary John Reid was simply reminding the courts of existing sentencing policy in England and Wales.
The PM added that there would be 2,000 extra prison places by the end of the year, and 8,000 more on top of that.
The Tories called the latest decision "outrageous", and the Liberal Democrats accused ministers of "incompetence".
Tony Blair has defended a move to ask judges to jail only the most dangerous and persistent criminals.
The prime minister told the Commons that Home Secretary John Reid was simply reminding the courts of existing sentencing policy in England and Wales.
The PM added that there would be 2,000 extra prison places by the end of the year, and 8,000 more on top of that.
The Tories called the latest decision "outrageous", and the Liberal Democrats accused ministers of "incompetence".
Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime.
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