Prisons must focus on rehabilitation to cut reoffending, says chief inspector

Digital learning company Coracle provides inmates with laptops so they can get access to education. Its CEO, James Tweed, welcomed Mr Taylor's comments and told the BBC that prisoners need help in joining a digital world, suggesting many are released without being able to use a mobile phone.

"As a result, they don't know how to use public transport, book appointments or access benefits," he said.

"Almost inevitably, many revert back to their old ways and reoffend.

"Solving this issue isn't easy as prisoners are barred from using the internet. Also, increasing education is challenging when there's a shortage of prison staff."