Dominic Raab Turns Down Invitiation To Meet Prison Campaigners

The Deputy Prime Minister has turned down an invitation to visit the site of the proposed ‘super-prison’ near Market Harborough.

Dominic Raab, who is also the Secretary of State for Justice, says it would not be appropriate while an appeal into the plan is on-going.

Campaigners wanted him to understand first-hand their concerns about the impact the 1700-inmate jail would have on the community, if it was built on land in Gartree.

A planning inquiry will take place in October, after the Ministry of Justice challenged Harborough District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission earlier this year.

Cllr Phil Knowles, who is backing the campaign against the prison, had asked Mr Raab to visit:

The area where the prison would be built.  Pic: Andy Carpenter

People have until Monday (August 1st) to make comments about the plan to the Planning Inspectorate, who will host the inquiry.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, also opposed to the prison being built near the existing Gartree Prison, wants people to make their views known: