Simon Hughes to become Ambassador for Make Justice Work

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 28th Apr 2009

Simon Hughes MP has become an ambassador of the Make Justice Work campaign, joining a host of other prominent public figures including David Howarth MP, Amir Khan and Polly Toynbee.

Make Justice Work is designed to make the argument in the media and to politicians that the criminal justice system is in urgent need of reform: it is ineffective at reducing re-offending and inefficient at spending public money.

The campaign will focus on the costliness of locking up low level offenders and the futility of short term sentences while at the same time promoting more effective ways of reducing re-offending and improving public safety. The goal is to bring about a fundamental sea change in public attitudes to how Britain deals with the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders - one which results in less use of custody, greater investment in effective community rehabilitation and fewer victims.

Simon Hughes has been committed to the protection of civil liberties throughout his political career and campaigned for penal reform during his time as Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson.

Make Justice Work will launch officially in summer 2009. You can find out more about the campaign at www.makejusticework.org.uk.