Local Euro MP visits Hull prison

1.27.00pm GMT Mon 15th Dec 2008

Diana Wallis, the local Liberal Democrat MEP, has visited Hull prison to talk to a group of about 20 prisoners as part of a project linking disadvantaged learners in Spain, Denmark and Hull.

Daniel Vulliamy, from the University of Hull's Centre for Lifelong Learning who co-ordinated the UK elements of the project, said:

"One of the reasons for asking Diana Wallis was that the Danish group wrote to two of their MEPs, both of whom replied at length, which was really appreciated. In turn we wrote to Diana Wallis as our 'local' MEP and we were delighted that she chose to come and speak with the group."

Diana Wallis, a Vice-President of the European Parliament, said:

"I was pleased to be invited to speak to the prisoners as part of the project. We had a very interesting discussion on my work as an MEP and also issues such as citizenship and social exclusion. It confirmed to me how important ongoing learning and education is for prisoners as a way of preparing them for their eventual release."

Diana also gave Certificates to six offenders who had completed University Foundation Awards but had been unable to attend the University Celebration of Achievement the week before.

Ron Cooper, co-tutor on the project emphasized the value prisoners placed on opportunities to engage with the outside world, important to their rehabilitation and the prison's emphasis on community links. "The students were pleased that a busy MEP took the time to discuss issues of citizenship and social exclusion with them."