Statement from Philip Hammond MP - 28th November
- I only learned of this proposal on Friday, 12th October when
I was contacted by the Minister responsible at the Home Office, Beverley Hughes.
I immediately alerted the local press and subsequently met with the Minister
and voiced my concerns on behalf of my constituents, as I share the view that
this is obviously the wrong place to locate a facility of this type.
- I was pleased that a reprieve was granted whilst Ministers and Officials
review the proposal for the relocation. However, this is only a reprieve to
allow officials to undertake a “dialogue” with the local community before
a final decision is made.
- I have sought to obtain from the outset the criteria used by officials in
reaching their original decision that Silverlands was the best of all locations
considered for the relocation. I have yet to receive this information. However,
I had an extended meeting with officials from the National Probation Directorate
last week at which I was promised the current criteria being used for site
selection. I have now received this document (see attachment).
- I have also passed on details to the Minister of an established provider
of secure psychiatric accommodation to the health service, Nursing Home Properties
plc, who have an alternative site with the relevant planning that could be
available in the few weeks.
- I have had “off the record” discussions with people who have knowledge of
earlier stages of this process, as, I know, have others, and between us we
are gathering some quite useful information in respect of a Judicial Review
challenge to any decision that the Home Office makes to go ahead with the
current relocation proposal.
- Since the proposal was announced I have been applying to the Speaker of
the House of Commons for an adjournment debate on the Home Office’s handling
of the relocation of the Wolvercote Clinic. Unfortunately, I have not yet
been successful in the determining weekly ballot, but I shall continue to
apply as I believe this is the best way within Westminster to demonstrate
conclusively that the process by which Silverlands was selected was flawed.
- I fully support the Silverlands Campaign Action Group and the campaign they
are mounting and am in regular contact with them.
- I shall continue to lobby in Westminster and Whitehall against the proposal
and I will do my utmost to make the concerns of my constituents heard.