The government was defeated in the Lords last night over plans to exclude deaths in custody from the Corporate Manslaughter Bill. The defeat was by 223 votes to 127 a majority of 96. Former Chief Inspector of Prisons Lord Ramsbotham led the revolt with support of peers from all parties, including former Chief Inspector of Constabulary Lord Dear.

Lord Ramsbotham said:

It should not be necessary in a civilised society for decency and humanity to have to be imposed by threat, but I venture to suggest that had there been a risk that a charge of corporate manslaughter would have been brought against them, managers at all levels would have taken a great deal more care over the detailed exercise of their responsibilities in the cases of Christopher Edwards, Zahid Mubarek, Sarah Campbell, Joseph Scholes, Paul Day, Gareth Myatt and, I dare say, many others who might still be alive if that care had been properly exercised.

He added:

Nothing I have seen or heard from the Government so far has convinced me that there is any justification in the exclusion.

The Prison Reform Trust was part of a coalition of groups who submitted a number of suggested amendments to the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Bill you can  read them here