Public Policy at the Pub

Theresa Alessandro Catholic Union

The Union’s next Pub Talk will take place on Wednesday 15 March with The Rt Hon Ruth Kelly as guest speaker. The former Labour MP and Government Minister, who is also a former Trustee of Westminster Diocese, has kindly agreed to talk about her work on the Vatican’s Council for the Economy. The talk is taking place on the same day as the Chancellor delivers his Spring Budget.

The Pub Talks are aimed at people with a background or interest in politics and public affairs, but are open to everyone. The events provide an informal opportunity for networking and discussion, and the chance to hear from a guest speaker. Owing to the success of our first Pub Talk with Lord Alton, spaces for this event are strictly limited. The event will be held in the upstairs room of the Windsor Castle pub on Francis Street near Westminster Cathedral starting at 6pm, with Ruth Kelly expected to speak at around 6.30pm. prison. But all too often guidance about family involvement is simply not put into practice, leaving family members locked out, prisoners struggling and a healthcare system under pressure. Ensuring that prisoners get access to the right healthcare isn't only doing the right thing – it creates safer prison regimes, reduces reoffending and relieves pressure on the NHS.’

Ruth Kelly commented: ‘I’m pleased to be joining the Catholic Union for this event. I’m always encouraged by the number of Catholics I meet who are involved in politics at the national or local level. I know just how important it is to have a support network in politics, as it can be tough being a Catholic in public life. I hope these events will inspire more people to get involved in politics or the life of the Church. We need good men and women to serve at all levels and all places’.

The report also sets out some of the statistics that illustrate the extent of the health problems facing the prison population:

• Half of prisoners, and three in five female prisoners, have a mental health problem.

• Rates of self-harm are near record levels

• 684 incidents per 1,000 prisoners

• One in three prisoners has a serious drug addiction

• Prisoners have a life expectancy 20 years younger than the general population

Nobody's Listening: www.prisonadvice.org. uk/nobodys-listening

James Somerville-Meikle, Deputy Director of the Union, notes: ‘I first met Ruth many years ago when I was a student. I had travelled down to London for Mass in the chapel in Parliament and she gave one of the readings. It made a lasting impression on me seeing Ruth and other Catholic politicians come together to celebrate Mass. I’m delighted that she has agreed to be the guest speaker for our next Pub Talk. She has inspired many people over the years, and I’m sure she will inspire many more at this event.’

Sign up for the Pub Talk on Wednesday 15 March can be found here: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/pub-talk-with-ruth-kellytickets-523463682967