Formerly an immigration removal centre; Morton Hall reopened as a prison for adult men in December 2021.
Population332of 353 operational places (94%)
Last inspectedNovember 2023Full inspection, unannounced
Source: HM Inspectorate of Prisons report published 26 February 2024; visiting details from GOV.UK · last checked 29 October 2026
Latest inspection
At its last full inspection (November 2023; report published February 2024), inspectors found outcomes for prisoners were not sufficiently good for purposeful activity and preparation for release; good for safety and respect. It held 332 people at the time, against an operational capacity of 353.
In the first inspection since the former immigration removal centre became a prison for foreign national men, inspectors found a calm, caring jail but too little work, education and progression.
An inspection report on Morton Hall immigration removal centre, published in March 2020, found a calmer centre with fewer long detentions and strong staff relationships, though self-harm remained high.
Prison News staff
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