Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

MPs to investigate treatment of asylum seekers in detention centres

The inquiry was set up following claims of sexual abuse in centres such as Yarl's Wood in Bedfordshire

Mark Leftly
Saturday 05 July 2014 20:46 BST
Comments
A security guard outside Yarl's Wood
A security guard outside Yarl's Wood (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Asylum seekers will give evidence of poor treatment directly from their detention centres in a cross-party inquiry into the UK immigration system to be launched tomorrow.

Sarah Teather, the former children's minister, set up the investigation following claims of sexual abuse in centres such as Yarl's Wood in Bedfordshire. The Lib Dem MP is also concerned by "persistent allegations of lack of access to healthcare".

In December, 2,796 people were held in centres, up 4 per cent on the end of 2012. Around half were asylum seekers awaiting the outcomes of applications to stay in the UK as refugees.

Jon Cruddas, Labour's policy chief, and former environment secretary Caroline Spelman are among others sitting on the inquiry. Ms Teather said: "I wanted a credible team to take a thoughtful look at detention centres: how can we do this better, more efficiently, cheaper?" Hearings start later this month and the report is expected to be published early next year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in