Prison 'to become asylum centre'
A prison near Lincoln could be turned into an immigration detention centre for asylum seekers, under new prison reforms.
Speculation is growing that changes will be made at HMP Morton Hall, Swinderby, with the Prison Service confirming a "number of options" are under consideration.
-
Morton Hall, near Swinderby, could be turned into an immigration centre for asylum seekers
One proposal could include turning the all-female prison, which holds just under 400 inmates, into an immigration detention centre.
his type of facility would hold foreign nationals waiting for decisions on asylum claims and those waiting for deportation, following a failed application.
Prison Officers Association spokesman Glyn Travis told the Echo the union had heard "strong rumours" about the change.
Mr Travis added that there were grounds to believe it was more than a rumour.
"Morton Hall is a pro-active, positive and well-run establishment," he said.
"We would be disgusted if they considered changing it. We would hope the local MP would raise objections.
"We see the change of Morton Hall as something that should not be considered.
"We believe it does a worthwhile and valuable job in the criminal justice system."
Earlier this month it was reported that Alan Duncan, Rutland MP and shadow minister for prisons, had learned that the Ministry of Justice had developed a list of new sites for immigration detention centres.
The Government refused to confirm this plan.
101 Comments
View all
by Kevin, Lincoln
Monday, February 01 2010, 4:32PM
“"It's interesting that, on the whole, the tolerant people write posts with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. While the bigots' points are lost because yu carnt werk out wot they meen. "
This made me laugh out loud - spot on!”
by The Hamster, Hamsterworld
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 2:34PM
“Well tough, it's mine!”
by Jeremy Clarkson, Surrey
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 2:33PM
“I want the 100th post.”
by John Bull, Little England
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 2:20PM
“Johnny Foreigner and Isis - love your comments; and as for Alma, will you marry me?
It's interesting that, on the whole, the tolerant people write posts with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. While the bigots' points are lost because yu carnt werk out wot they meen.”
by Mr Sneer, Derision on the Wold
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:59PM
“Don't worry about my wife, she'll get a good slap when I get home.”
by Mrs sneer, decision on my cold
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:56PM
“What about geekism johnny? What are your views on that?
I find certain other languages ugly,just my opinion.
"And if these are the things that Britain today stands for then count me out."
Does that mean you're leaving? That would be good.
Ta ra”
by Johnny Foreigner, Lincoln
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:44PM
“Mrs Sneer, what vile opinions you hold.
I'm a white British atheist and find other languages interesting, not ugly.
In fact the things I find ugly are racism, homophobia and bigotry. And if these are the things that Britain today stands for then count me out.”
by Isis, Lincoln
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:41PM
“I find you a bit ugly.”
by Mrs sneer, Decision on my cold
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:35PM
“well done geek,you sort of half answered a question. Thats the most I can expect from you.
Although you're wrong in saying my opininon is racist. I don't like them languages they're awful and I'm sure deep down in your black heart you find them a bit ugly too.”
by Isis, Never, never land
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:29PM
“"why do you love to hear them awful eastern europen languages spoken so much?
Has anybody on here said anything racist?"
Errr, i think thats a bit racist.”