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."
