Council leader asks Prime Minister to call in decision about new prison at Gartree

The Leader of Harborough District Council has written to the new Prime Minister to request that he calls in the decision by the previous Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to allow the new prison at Gartree to be built.

In his letter to The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer, MP, Cllr Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, says: “Whilst we understand the figures and comments on prison places, I would contest that any new prison must be built in the right places.  

“Prime Minister. I urge you to call in this decision. To ask the questions, is it value for money, is it logical to have it situated in Gartree? Can the infrastructure cope? Is it the catalyst if left unchallenged that will impact in a hugely negative way on the community? I respectfully suggest this decision needs to be revisited and every aspect reconsidered.   

“I'm happy to meet ministers who may wish to visit the site and am happy to assist in any way.”