I've spent most of 2007 running storytelling workshops in prisons in England and Wales (24 2 day workshops, to be precise) and it's been some of the most worthwhile work I've ever done. The prisoners get a sense of achievement and increased self-esteem, and although any kind of evaluation of the long-term effects would be complicated I'm sure in my own mind at least that it will contribute to reducing re-offender rates.
Well done to anyone who works in prisons, whether it's for more formal education or the various arts initiatives, and if Billy Bragg can get a few more people to take notice of the differences that can be made, more power to him.

Anne