Alex was in Leicester to officially open HMP Fosse Way.
HMP Fosse Way is the greenest prison yet, and the second of six new “super prisons” that aim to put rehabilitation, work and training at the heart of the custodial estate.
Prisoners will spend their time productively, learning new skills and getting trained in vital industries to help them find work when back in the community and plug labour gaps.
With 24 workshops, and a large number of classrooms, offenders will learn how to drive construction vehicles in a simulator, manufacture prescription spectacles, as well as contributing to future prison builds by casting concrete foundations and lighting equipment.
The plans are part of Alex's drive to curb repeat offending and boost the economy by arming prisoners with the skills they need to hold down a job on the outside.
Alex said:
"HMP Fosse Way is part of our new approach to prisons – creating safe, modern places that utilise the latest technology to place rehabilitation and cutting crime at their core.
"Its modern design will give offenders every opportunity to turn around their lives, while also providing a significant boost in this Government’s drive to grow the economy."