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Border and Immigration Agency response to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons' (HMCIP) reports about Lindholme and Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centres

HOME OFFICE News Release (STAT016/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 27 November 2007

Responding to HMCIP reports into Lindholme and Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre, Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) Chief Executive Lin Homer said:

"Immigration removal centres are an essential element in the enforcement of immigration control. That is why the Border and Immigration Agency will increase its detention capacity by almost a quarter by the end of 2008. It is vital, however, that removal centres are well-run, safe and secure.

"Lindholme is commended as a safe, respectful facility and I am pleased that HMCIP noted a number of improvements, particularly the expansion of educational opportunities and improved access to legal advice.

"I also acknowledge the concerns raised about Colnbrook and am clear that BIA will work closely with our contractor Serco to address the issues raised in this report, which we take extremely seriously.

"If foreign criminals cannot be deported straight away we think they should be kept locked up.

"Colnbrook remains BIA's dedicated secure centre for housing challenging detainees, including murderers, sex offenders, substance abusers and fire raisers. They would pose an unacceptable risk in a less secure establishment and are detained until they can be removed. The Government is committed to their consideration for deportation and removal at the earliest opportunity and having removed 3,500 foreign national prisoners this year already is on course to meet the Prime Minister's target of 4,000 removals by the end of 2007.

"An action plan addressing the recommendations in today's report is being developed. In the interim we have taken steps to increase the size of the welfare team working in the centre, have introduced a suicide prevention framework mirrored on developments in the prison estate and are taking steps to prevent and stamp out bullying."