In today's Guardian newspaper in the UK, a group of twelve prominent musicians - Billy Bragg, Johnny Marr, Speech Debelle, David Gilmour, Richard Hawley, Scroobius Pip, Guy Garvey, Ed O'Brien, Philip Selway, Seasick Steve, The Farm, and Sam Duckworth - are protesting the latest move by Justice Minister Chris Grayling.

Grayling recently came under fire for banning prisoners from receiving books in jail, and has now turned his attention to the use of steel-strung guitars. The letter notes how this will have a real impact on the rehabilitation process of prisoners - and notes that it could be at the root of a worrying rise in self-inflicted deaths inside prisons.

The issue was due to be raised today (Tuesday) in the UK parliament by Labour MP Kevin Brennan, who said he found the ban baffling and wanted to "try to find some answers".

Billy Bragg is one of the people behind Jail Guitar Doors, an independent initiative which aims to provide instruments to those who are using music as a means of achieving rehabilitation in prison. To date, they have donated instruments to more than 20 prisons.