MP presses to keep Dartmoor prison open

Torridge and West Devon MP, Geoffrey Cox QC, has made strong representations to the Prisons Minister, Rory Stewart MP, to keep HMP Dartmoor open. The prison has been under threat of closure since 2013 when the Government issued a 10-year notice that it would vacate the site to the prison's landlord, the Duchy of Cornwall.

Mr Cox was impressed to see the high standards maintained in the prison during a recent visit and has formed a parliamentary group of south west MPs, whose constituents will be affected by the decision to close the prison, to open discussions with the Government over its future. Mr Cox said: “The prison has continued to improve in recent years under robust leadership and I was impressed by the dedication of officers and staff to the wellbeing of the prisoners. As the HMIP report noted, the prison provides excellent and innovative mental health support and high quality palliative care.

“In my meeting with the Prisons Minister I emphasised not only how important the prison is to the local economy on and around Dartmoor but how well run the prison regime is. Against the backdrop of the pressures facing our prisons up and down the country, I believe that the most sensible option is to keep the prison open. The Duchy of Cornwall is also keen to see the prison remain in being.

“I am pleased that the Minister recognised that there is a powerful case for keeping the prison open and, although he pointed out that the buildings are in need of radical renovation, I am confident that if we can address this important question, there is a real possibility of maintaining Dartmoor prison for many years to come.”