Inquiry Chair Rebukes Former Immigration Minister for Lack of Evidence
Robert Jenrick, a conservative former immigration minister, has faced criticism from the chair of the Manston Independent Inquiry for failing to provide critical evidence regarding conditions at controversial processing centers for small boat arrivals.
Investigating the Manston Detention Crisis
This inquiry was established to examine the treatment of thousands of individuals who reached the UK via small boats between June 1 and November 22, 2022, specifically at a former military base in Manston, Kent.
Detrimental Conditions at the Processing Center
The former minister was in charge during a period when conditions at the facility significantly worsened. Among the tragedies was the death of asylum seeker Hussein Haseeb Ahmed, who contracted diphtheria while detained and later succumbed to complications in a hospital.
Overcrowding and Disease Outbreaks
The Manston center opened in early 2022, coinciding with a surge in small boat arrivals—around 46,000 that year. Although it was designed to house a maximum of 1,600 people at a time, it experienced overcrowding, with upward of 4,000 individuals temporarily accommodated due to processing backlogs.
Unsatisfactory Living Conditions
The situation at the center was dire. Reports indicated overflowing toilets and detainees sleeping on the floor for extended periods, compounded by outbreaks of diseases such as scabies and diphtheria.
Government Acknowledgment of the Crisis
Jenrick admitted in Parliament that individuals were being held at Manston longer than anticipated. After a visit in October 2022 from David Neill, the then-independent chief inspector for Borders and Immigration, he described the conditions as “dire” and “truly dangerous.”
Controversial Actions by Jenrick
In July 2023, Jenrick ordered the painting over of colorful children’s murals at both Manston and another processing site, Western Jet Foil, suggesting they were “too welcoming” for children.
Inquiry into Policy Decisions and Ministerial Actions
The inquiry will not only probe the policy decisions made by ministers during this crisis but will also specifically look into the circumstances surrounding Ahmed’s death. Inquiry chair Sophie Cartwright KC emphasized the need for accountability, raising questions about the actions taken by government ministers, including Jenrick.
Legal Developments and Lack of Cooperation
As of late April 2026, the inquiry’s panel had reached out to Jenrick’s legal representative to confirm overdue statements but had received no response. Cartwright remarked that the investigation relies on cooperation from key figures to provide witness statements and oral evidence.
Public Outcry and Response
A major legal challenge concerning conditions at Manston was initiated at the end of 2022. Seema Syeda, from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, criticized Jenrick for his lack of cooperation, asserting that his inaction reflects an absence of accountability for the tragic events surrounding Ahmed’s death.
Political Reactions and Accountability
A spokesperson for Jenrick from Reform UK stated that his written statement would be submitted to the inquiry in due course, while accusing the opposition of focusing on the detention of migrants instead of the broader implications of illegal immigration on British citizens.
