header-logo header-logo

Damning report on immigration detention

20 September 2023
Issue: 8041 / Categories: Legal News , Immigration & asylum , Human rights
printer mail-detail
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. 

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.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

Maria Karaiskos KC, recently appointed as the first female head of Church Court Chambers, discusses breaking down barriers, the lure of the courtroom, and the power of storytelling

Cripps—Simon Main

Cripps—Simon Main

Firm strengthens residential property team with partner hire

Hugh James—Danielle Cahill

Hugh James—Danielle Cahill

Private wealth disputes team welcomes partner in London

NEWS
In a very special tribute in this week's NLJ, David Burrows reflects on the retirement of Patrick Allen, co-founder of Hodge Jones & Allen, whose career epitomised the heyday of legal aid
Writing in NLJ this week, Kelvin Rutledge KC of Cornerstone Barristers and Genevieve Screeche-Powell of Field Court Chambers examine the Court of Appeal’s rejection of a discrimination challenge to Tower Hamlets’ housing database
Michael Zander KC, Emeritus Professor at LSE, tracks the turbulent passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill through the House of Lords in this week's issue of NLJ. Two marathon debates drew contributions from nearly 200 peers, split between support, opposition and conditional approval
Alistair Mills of Landmark Chambers reflects on the Human Rights Act 1998 a quarter-century after it came into force, in this week's issue of NLJ
In his latest Civil Way column for NLJ, Stephen Gold surveys a raft of procedural changes and quirky disputes shaping civil practice. His message is clear: civil practitioners must brace for continual tweaks, unexpected contentions and rising costs in everyday litigation
back-to-top-scroll