Perhaps one can argue that this is proof of the rehabilitation theory of punishment?  The only true test, of course, is to see if these extremists carry on peaceful campaigning upon release.  If they re-offend, however, we could throw them back in jail, place them on the Atkins Diet, and suggest that if they have special clothing requests they get their supporters to stump up rather than insisting that the taxpayer subsidize their lifestyle choice. 

In the meantime, I say let’s throw these guys a bone (!) and recruit some vegan prison chefs!  In fact, in a development that might be deemed coincidental if we didn’t live in times so dominated by reality television and cross-branding, there seems to be the perfect volunteer – and a celebrity, no less.  In a recent Sunday Times profile, veteran animal rights campaigner, Front National supporter, gay-and-Muslim paranoiac, and general misanthrope Brigitte Bardot stated – among other things – ‘I have my own vegetable garden and I am a marvellously good cook.’

Sold, Brigitte – see you at Belmarsh.