Mayor Dave: Special Measures for Bedford Prison a Result of Government's Failure over Standards

Commenting on the news that the Government has put Bedford Prison into special measures, and done so with no announcement to the public or local representatives, Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed the government over its failure to address safety and standards issues at the facility.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "The conditions that the government allowed to develop and to persist at Bedford Prison for staff and inmates are a disgrace. The last inspection report from 2016 is utterly scathing and highlights the need for effective national oversight. Clearly the government has failed to provide this, and is now having to take drastic measures. Even worse, it seems it had no intention of informing the public or local representatives, as if this institution in the middle of Bedford is none of our concern."