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.

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.