Current Affairs discussions are returning to One Tree Books in Petersfield for 2025.

The first meeting is this week on Wednesday, January 8 and the subject is ‘The state of the Prison Service in the UK’, Amy Dolley from Howard League foe Penal Reform will be the speaker.

Phil Selby from One Tree Books said: “The reason why we are looking at this topic relates to the government decision to release some prisoners early to make room for people convicted of offences after the Southport murders of the young children.

“We also have reports of uncontrolled drug use and of the authorities apparently struggling to maintain control. We want to look at what is really happening and ask the question as to whether or not alternative approaches can be identified?

“As ever these meetings are open to everyone and are strictly non party political. The idea is to give information and insights so that people can make up their own minds.”

Future meetings will be on the second Wednesday of the month at around 2pm to 2.30pm and will finish at 4pm.