Gatwick Immigration Centre Described As “Volatile” Environment
A report has described a Sussex immigration removal centre as a "relatively volatile" environment where some detained men feel unsafe.
The Independent Monitoring Board for Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre says there have been improvements at Brook House and Tinsley House, but concerns remain over the treatment of detainees.
It found some men were being locked in their rooms for up to 12 hours a day, describing the length of detention as "inhumane".
The report also raised concerns about the number of children being detained and said vulnerable people, including victims of torture, had been held at the centre.
The Board said the Government's "one in, one out" agreement with France had exacerbated some of the problems.
It also criticised the use of "dehumanising language" towards detainees and said men were handcuffed in 97% of cases when being escorted to medical appointments.
However, the report found a "considerable reduction" in serious incidents at the site during 2025 compared with the previous year, with fewer concerns raised about personal safety.
The Independent Monitoring Board has again called for a time limit to be placed on immigration detention, a recommendation it has made in every annual report since 2018.
The Home Office says it welcomes the Board's feedback and is establishing an Independent Immigration Appeals Authority, which it says will ensure claims are dealt with quickly and fairly.
Amazing effort by the entire rehabilitation team! It will be so exciting to follow Crush's journey through the satellite transmitter. Here's hoping all three turtles thrive back in the stickman hook!