The Chair of the Manston Inquiry, Sophie Cartwright KC, has today (September 25) outlined the progress made by an Inquiry examining the events at the Manston Short-Term Holding Facility between 1 June and 22 November 2022.
The Manston Inquiry is an independent inquiry established to investigate the conditions encountered by people detained at the Manston Short-term Holding Facility between 1 June and 22 November 2022. The Inquiry is also examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Hussein Haseeb Ahmed whilst detained at the site.
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.
The Inquiry will investigate:
- The conditions at Manston during the relevant period
- The treatment of those detained at Manston during the relevant period
- The steps taken by way of capacity planning for Manston and for onward accommodation, including hotels, for the relevant period
- Whether any measures taken to improve conditions at Manston and to shorten the periods individuals spent detained at the site during the relevant period were effective
- Whether there are lessons to be learned regarding the Home Office’s handling of the incident
The second Preliminary Hearing took place on 25 September and considered issues including witness evidence, disclosure, expert evidence, special measures and preparations for substantive hearings.
The Chair invited submissions from participants on the next steps required to ensure the Inquiry is ready to hear oral evidence as part of its investigation into the conditions.
Sophie Cartwright KC said: “I am grateful to all Inquiry participants for their continued commitment to assisting the Inquiry in preparation for the evidential hearings, enabling the Inquiry to report its findings as quickly and effectively as possible in fulfilment of its Terms of Reference.”
The determinations and directions that will be issued following this hearing will confirm the start date and venue of the oral hearings, alongside an updated witness timetable and running order.
The Inquiry will not make findings regarding the current running of the Manston centre.
