Conditions at Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre near Heathrow Airport were found to be “the worst” in the country, with the chief inspector of prisons expressing grave concerns to the then home secretary. A damning report described the centre as “chaotic,” “truly shocking,” and putting detainees at “imminent risk of harm.”
The overcrowded facility was labeled “decrepit” by Charlie Taylor, from the prisons watchdog, who reported widespread drug use and violence. Taylor contacted James Cleverly in March, but neither Cleverly nor his department had responded. The Home Office noted that staffing levels had been increased since the inspection.
Mitie Care and Custody, which operates Harmondsworth, attributed occupancy issues to the closure of some parts of the centre for refurbishment. The chief inspector’s letter to Cleverly highlighted deteriorating conditions since the previous inspection.
The number of assaults had doubled, with several serious suicide attempts reported. Cells were doubled up to accommodate more detainees, and those refusing to share overcrowded cells were held in a separation unit until they complied. Staff mainly stayed in offices with “do not enter” signs, the watchdog warned.
Taylor remarked, “The level of chaos that we found at Harmondsworth was truly shocking, and we left deeply concerned that some of those held there were at imminent risk of harm.” He questioned the justification for detaining individuals when about 60% were released, and only a third deported, emphasizing the waste of taxpayer money.
Taylor wrote to the former Conservative home secretary, Cleverly, on March 12, following an inspection in February. He detailed the numerous failures at the centre but received no response. Despite some progress under a new director, Taylor stressed the need for strong and consistent support at every level.
He highlighted the damaging effects of detention and called on the new Labour government to rebuild a just asylum system that respects human dignity and the rule of law.
The report indicated that Mitie faced significant challenges, including staff shortages and contractual uncertainties due to a “shambolic retendering process” led by the Home Office. This situation made it difficult to recruit permanent senior staff.
Mitie acknowledged the substandard conditions and care during the inspection, noting that occupancy rates were affected by ongoing refurbishments. The company plans to complete refurbishment work by August, after which a particularly criticized wing will also be closed for refurbishment.
Mitie also noted a change in the demographic of the centre’s population, with more than half of the residents now arriving from police custody or prisons, resulting in increased disruptive behaviours and incidents. However, a “new staffing model” has led to improvements in staff engagement and retention.
The Home Office emphasized the importance of carrying out detention and removals with dignity and respect, and stated that the number of custody officers and dedicated welfare staff at Harmondsworth IRC had been increased since the inspection.
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