Battling Baron Secures Admission of Error over ClearSprings

John Baron MP has received a letter from Justice Minister David Hanson admitting the Government got it wrong over the ClearSprings issue. In reply to John’s question in Parliament last month, the Minister did say that Basildon Council had a veto on plans to impose an open prison locally but had failed to state its opposition. The Minister’s letter now accepts that the Council “does not have an open veto on addresses” and “ did object to the proposed addresses”. This admission came after John again raised the issue through a Point of Order in the Commons chamber.

Commenting, John said: “The government tried to make it look that Basildon Council had not objected to the ClearSprings proposal. However, after my questioning in the Commons, it now admits the Council did object from the start. There is also government confusion as to whether the Council has the power to veto plans. This highlights government disarray after being found out it was trying to dump an open prison on Basildon residents without consulting them first.

“Having forced a U-turn on the government, I welcome the Minister’s confirmation that ClearSprings is not currently seeking property in Basildon District. However, the Minister’s letter also makes clear the threat remains, and so we must remain vigilant. Residents do not want to wake up one morning to find themselves living next to an open prison.”

Whilst the Minister admitted his inadvertent error, he has also made it clear that although ClearSprings have decided not to use the proposed address in Vange and are not currently seeking alternatives in Basildon district, he expects that ClearSprings will at some point have to look again for alternative addresses in the area. The warning is clear.