Harmondsworth immigration removal centre near London Heathrow Airport had some of the worst conditions of any such facility in the UK, according to a report by prison inspectors. The report claimed that conditions were “chaotic” and put detainees at “imminent risk of harm”. It also referred to the “truly shocking” nature of the centre and highlighted widespread drug abuse and violence. Following its inspection in February, the prisons watchdog contacted the home secretary, James Cleverly, but heard no response from either him or his department.
The report revealed that assaults had doubled at the centre, that there had been a number of suicides and that cells had been doubled up in order to hold more inmates. Staff largely remained in their offices with “do not enter” signs posted on their doors. The watchdog noted that “nobody should be detained in an immigration removal centre unless they are going to be removed quickly from the country…which begs the question of why so much taxpayer money was being spent keeping them locked up in the first place”.
Harmondsworth is run by Mitie Care and Custody. The company argued that occupancy was adversely affected by the refurbishment of some of the centre’s parts. Mitie also cited the impact of changes in the demographic of detainees, with over half now being transferred from police custody and prisons. This had led to an escalation in disruptive behaviour and incidents. The company, however, acknowledged that the conditions and standard of care “fell below the level we would expect at this facility” during the inspection.
The Home Office noted that staffing levels at the centre had increased since the inspection, arguing that “It is vital that detention and removals are carried out with dignity and respect”
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