IAPDC raises concerns about the expansion of detention under the Illegal Migration Bill

Following publication of the Illegal Migration Bill, Lynn Emslie, IAPDC Chair, has written to the Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP to raise the Panel’s concerns about the impact of the proposals contained within the Bill on the ability of the Home Office to keep people in detention safe.

The Bill seeks to significantly expand immigration detention powers, including the period for which individuals can be detained, the cohort of people liable for detention, and the range of facilities to include anywhere the Home Secretary deems “appropriate”. Lynn highlights research undertaken by the Panel on the increased risk of suicide faced by those detained under immigration powers, stating:

The IAPDC’s guidelines on preventing suicide and self-harm in Immigration Removal Centres pointed to the link between the indefinite nature of detention and feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness, which can increase the risk of suicidality.

Included in the Bill are provisions to remove current limits on the detention of unaccompanied children, pregnant women, and families. In her letter, Lynn asks the Home Secretary whether her Department has carried out a full risk assessment linked to detaining this new cohort for whom detention may not be appropriate due to pre-existing health needs and/or exposure to trauma.

Further to this, Lynn questions the Home Secretary on the work being done to ensure the “safe and humane” expansion of the detention estate and the suitability of settings such as Manston for the “detention of individuals beyond, at most, short-term stays”. This follows letters the Panel sent to the Home Office relating to “drastic deterioration in conditions” at Manston and the sad death of Hussein Haseeb Ahmed who was detained at the centre.

The Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and the Panel will continue to work with partners and stakeholders, including Parliamentarians, to ensure the safety of those in detention is at the core of Government policy.

Read the letter here.