Inquiry into Manston Asylum Centre Faces Stalemate Amid Criticism

An inquiry into the conditions at the Manston asylum seeker processing centre in Kent has encountered significant delays, drawing sharp criticism from legal representatives of the affected individuals. This inquiry was initially promised by former Home Secretary James Cleverly in March 2024, following the unlawful detention of 18,000 people under dire circumstances at the facility.

Critics argue that the inquiry’s progress has stalled, denying justice to those who suffered during their detention. Emily Soothill, a solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn, represents many of the detainees and expressed frustration over the lack of accountability. “Our clients are still waiting for answers as to how this was allowed to happen and accountability for the significant harm they suffered,” she stated. The inquiry is particularly crucial for vulnerable individuals, including children and victims of trafficking, who experienced inhumane treatment while at Manston.

Delays in the proceedings have been attributed to the Home Office’s inability to effectively manage the situation. Jed Pennington, joint head of public law and human rights at Wilsons Solicitors, highlighted that similar issues had previously postponed the judicial review that led to the current inquiry. “There were repeated delays… due to the apparent inability of Home Office ministers and civil servants to make decisions,” he noted.

Conditions at Manston Under Scrutiny

The inquiry aims to address the horrific conditions reported at the former RAF base, which became a temporary home for asylum seekers in autumn 2022. Overcrowding led to an outbreak of diphtheria and scabies, with detainees forced to sleep on filthy floors and limited access to sanitation. Accounts of women and children being housed near unrelated men, as well as allegations of assaults by guards, have raised serious concerns.

In one tragic case, a pregnant Syrian woman detained at Manston suffered a miscarriage after being denied urgent medical care. Despite regulations stating that asylum seekers should not be held for more than 24 hours, documents reveal that 18,000 of the 29,000 processed there between June and November 2022 were detained for significantly longer periods. This situation drew critical attention when Home Office officials acknowledged that they “completely lost our grip” on the conditions at the centre.

The inquiry also faces potential testimonies from several high-profile figures, including former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, as well as former Home Secretaries Priti Patel, Grant Shapps, and Suella Braverman. Their involvement underscores the political ramifications of the inquiry and the public’s demand for accountability.

Financial Constraints and Future Steps

In September 2024, the then Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced a downgrade of the inquiry from its original statutory independent status, limiting its powers to compel witnesses to attend. The decision was partly motivated by projected costs, with the inquiry estimated to cost £26 million, while the downgraded version is expected to cost approximately £2.6 million.

The inquiry is chaired by Sophie Cartwright KC, and at least 250 former detainees have initiated lawsuits for unlawful detention and breaches of human rights, seeking compensation for the physical and psychological harm they endured.

A spokesperson for the inquiry stated that progress is being made, with ongoing work and discussions about public hearings and cost protocols. “The inquiry is awaiting decisions… in respect of public hearings and the inquiry’s costs protocols,” the spokesperson added.

In response to the criticisms, a Home Office representative reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the inquiry, stating, “It is right we take the time to make sure important issues related to the inquiry are fully considered.” The ongoing situation at Manston continues to highlight the critical need for transparency and accountability in the asylum processing system in the UK.