Scottish government's call to nationalise HMP Kilmarnock labelled 'ideological' by opposition MSP
He says the prison has operated well under private owenership
An opposition MSP has criticised the Scottish government's decision to nationalise HMP Kilmarnock, calling it "ideological".
Conservative politician for the South Scotland region Brian Whittle condemed the move in a speech to Holyrood this week.
He has praised outgoing company Serco, who will lose their contract later this year, and says the move does not make sense given the prison's track record in the hands of the private sector.
'Purely for ideological reasons'
He said: "HMP Kilmarnock has shown itself to be a great example of how a prison can work collaboratively with community groups to reduce reoffending and offer prisoners a different path.
"From my own visits to the prison and conversations with staff and prisoners, I know that its approach has made a real difference to many people’s lives.
"Prisons aren’t just about punishment, they can also offer a chance to break the cycle of reoffending, offering prisoners support to deal with addiction and mental health issues as well as giving them new opportunities to develop skills.
"Like many people, I’m frustrated that the Scottish Government seem intent on disrupting what’s been achieved by Serco at HMP Kilmarnock purely for ideological, political reasons. If there was any evidence that this prison wasn’t performing at least as well as it’s publicly run counterparts, then I could understand the decision, but that isn’t the case.
"We should be looking to build on the success of HMP Kilmarnock, not tear it up.”
Holyrood response
The Scottish government has responded to Mr Whittle's remarks.
A statement released by the Justice and Home Affairs department read: “The decision to bring HMP Kilmarnock into public management and ownership and not to tender for a new private contract was taken in 2021.
“This is in line with Scottish Government policy that prisons should be owned and managed by the public sector, which has been in place since 2007.
“The Scottish Prison Service are working closely with Serco, the private operator, to deliver the transition in a way that supports both staff and those in custody, and maintains the many good practices already in place.”