SNP on West Lothian Private Prison

Commenting on the announcement of Addiewell Prison Limited as the operator of Scotland's second private prison in West Lothian, SNP Deputy Justice Spokesperson Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"At a time when the USA is looking at reducing use of private prisons, it is disappointing that we are not learning the lessons about limitations of what can be achieved outside the public sector.

"It is significant that a bank will share the ownership of the Addiewell Prison as this once again indicates that decisions are being driven by finance rather than what is good for the prison sector."

Local Lothian's MSP Fiona Hyslop added:

"The community was against this prison on a number of counts. One of their main concerns was the poor track record of private prisons in Scotland, particularly due to high staff turnovers which brings little benefit to the local community. Local people will have to suffer the inconvenience of such a facility without receiving any tangible related benefits."