An inquiry investigating allegations about conditions Manston processing centre dating back to 2022 has opened today (January 15).
The independent inquiry into the treatment of individuals detained at the Manston facility and conditions during the time period is chaired by Sophie Cartwright KC.
The scope will be to look at events between 1 June 2022 and 22 November 2022.
During that time the centre was in the spotlight following cases of diphtheria and other illnesses, concerns over conditions and the holding of some people for up to a month.
The centre was designed to process up to 1,600 people over a 24/48 hour period. However, a high number of small boat Channel crossings during the autumn of 2022 and a firebomb attack at the Dover Home Office facility which necessitated the move of 700 people saw numbers at Manston soar to 4,000. All those at the centre were moved out to accommodation by November 22 although the centre was not stood down and remains operational.
The Public and Commercial Services union claimed that the rapid removal of people out of the centre came after the union, Detention Action and a woman held at the facility issued legal action against former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
On 12 February 2025, the Inquiry published its Terms of Reference and commenced its work on 17 March 2025. The Inquiry is chaired by Sophie Cartwright KC.
Today the Inquiry will be holding a preliminary hearing in London to provide an update on progress to date and address matters relating to outstanding disclosure, witness statements and to consider submissions on the future timetable and the provisional list of issues.
This is the first public hearing held by the Inquiry. The Chair will be assisted in conducting the hearing by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Clair Dobbin KC.
The hearing is open to the public and media and takes place at Dorland House this afternoon.
Further details at: https://www.manston.independent-inquiry.uk/news-updates/
