Commenting on new that the Ministry of Justice are proceeding with a planning application for a new prison in Buckinghamshire, Greg Smith MP said:
"I have been informed that the Ministry of Justice intend to move forward with a planning application for a new prison adjacent to HMP Grendon and HMP Spring Hill.
"This is devastating news.
"I have had multiple meetings with Ministers setting out the detailed and reasoned case against this construction in the heart of areas already so badly affected by HS2 and East West Rail. Likewise I know how hard local residents, parishes and Buckinghamshire Councillors have worked to make the case against. But it seems the governments drive for a rapid increase in prison places has overridden those concerns.
"We may have lost the first battle, but the war against this development goes on. I will now be redoubling my efforts to work with local residents, parishes and Buckinghamshire Councillors to make the case against this prison on planning grounds, so that the application can be rejected."
