Protest meetings held over private jails

The Prison Officers Association organised the hour-long meetings at prisons across the country and general secretary Steve Gillan said Yorkshire members took part.

Mr Gillan added: “These meetings are being held as a way of showing our opposition to the Government’s privatisation agenda, and they will be continuing every week for the foreseeable future.

“It is simply a way of getting our message across and drawing some attention to our message.”

The POA launched its campaign two weeks ago after Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke sparked anger among its members by announcing the privatisation of Birmingham Prison.

Doncaster Prison is also to undergo controversial reforms which will see Serco, the private company which runs the jail, “paid by results”.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick released a report into the running of Doncaster Prison today which says it is currently “well run” but needs improvement.

Speaking about the report he said: “The prison needs to improve the regime for vulnerable prisoners, and provide more activity places.

“There wasn’t enough education, training or work available.

“Prison capacity is not simply a matter of how many prisoners can be crammed into the cells – it is also a matter of whether the prison has the resources and space to do anything useful with them.”