Responding to news about a man dying in detention at Brook House immigration removal centre, Imran Hussain, Executive Director of External Affairs at the Refugee Council, said:

“We are saddened to learn that someone has died while in immigration detention at Brook House and our thoughts are with all those affected. While we don’t yet know the circumstances surrounding his death, last year’s public inquiry into this centre exposed damning safeguarding failures, showing that basic levels of care and humanity for detained individuals were not adhered to.

“Immigration detention is a harmful practice that also offers poor value for the taxpayer. It is a misconception that increasing the use of detention leads to more removals or is the most effective way to remove people from the UK. In reality, most people leave detention not because they are removed, but because they’ve been granted bail or leave to remain. In the year to June 2024, only 42 per cent of people leaving detention were removed from the country.

“Detention should only be used as an absolute last resort, yet it is far from clear that this standard is met in the majority of cases. The Government must shift its focus towards implementing a more effective voluntary returns programme, which provides independent advice and support to individuals – especially those with complex needs. It must also build on previous Home Office recommendations for community-based alternatives to detention, enabling individuals to remain in their communities while their immigration status is resolved.”