Minister behind bars...but only as visitor

MP for Milnrow & Newhey Phil Woolas went to jail — but it wasn’t a stretch at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

The Immigration Minister was instead visiting his local prison, Buckley Hall in Rochdale, at the invitation of the Prison Officers’ Association.

He was invited by POA branch chairman Malcolm Kilty following a national lobby of Parliament in March.

Officers and management at the prison are facing uncertainty as a result of the service being subject to a Government tender. The prison was previously run by Group Four (G4S) but for the past 10 years has been part of the prison service.

Mr Woolas was given a tour of the prison and met staff, officers and the governor, Michael Regan. He was accompanied by POA branch secretary Jackie Bates, from Waterhead, and National Executive member Steve Baines.

Mr Woolas was shown the arrival area, residence wing, isolation wing and facilities for prisoners and staff. He was also briefed by the Independent Monitoring Board on conditions in the prison.

He said: “The prison is an important local employer for many of my constituents. They do a very brave job in very difficult circumstances and I promised that I would take up their case.

“The quality of service provided for the taxpayer is excellent and I am hopeful that the contract will be extended.”

The Minister will now take up the case with Prisons Minister David Hanson.