Buckley Hall Prison privatisation

Government plans to privatise Buckley Hall Prison in Rochdale are being challenged by the Prisoner Officers’ Association who have said they will strike should the privatisation go ahead.

Paul Rowen MP has previously tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons on this issue, which has been signed by 34 other MPs, in support of the Prisons are not for Profit campaign and the Prison Officers Association have called upon all MPs to sign the motion and oppose Government plans for prison privatisation.

Mr Rowen commented: "Prison Officers from HMP Buckley Hall have contacted me about this issue; they feel that their own safety and ability to provide a good public service is in grave danger are being undermined by the Government attempting to cut costs.

"Privatisation is also leaving prison officers fearing for their jobs which are on uncertain ground through the process of privatisation.

"I have been supporting this campaign for several months and am extremely saddened that the officers now see strike action as their only option. All they wish is to continue serving the Government in the best way they see fit."