20 September 2023
A public inquiry into abuses at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre has called for a time limit of 28 days on immigration detention
Currently, no time limit exists. The 711-page report, published this week, identified 19 instances over a five-month period where there was ‘credible evidence’ of Article 3 breaches.
These included the use of dangerous restraint techniques where people were handcuffed with their hands behind their backs while seated, and the application of pressure to a detainee’s neck while he was in extreme distress.
These included the use of dangerous restraint techniques where people were handcuffed with their hands behind their backs while seated, and the application of pressure to a detainee’s neck while he was in extreme distress.
The inquiry heard evidence of a toxic culture among G4S staff, racist and derogatory language, poor safeguarding and excessive use of force.
The inquiry, chaired by Kate Eves, made 33 recommendations for urgent change.
Eves said: ‘That I found this number of incidents took place within such a limited timeframe of five months is of significant concern. An environment flourished in which unacceptable treatment became more likely.’
The inquiry was commissioned by former home secretary Priti Patel, following a BBC Panorama report.
