Inquiry hears UK government decisions contributed to Manston asylum crisis

An independent inquiry into the Manston asylum processing centre has heard that decisions made at the highest levels of the previous UK government contributed to a crisis at the Kent facility in 2022. The inquiry is examining problems between June 1 and November 22, 2022, when Manston processed people arriving by small boats. The site was designed for up to 1,600 people for no more than 24 hours, but as many as 4,000 people were held there unlawfully for several weeks at the height of the crisis.

Many asylum seekers slept on floors in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The inquiry heard evidence of scabies and diphtheria outbreaks, alleged assaults and drug use by guards, racist abuse, and the death of a man who contracted diphtheria. Laura Dubinsky KC, representing some participants, said the decision to pause transfers of many arrivals to hotels was consistent with thinking at Number 10.

She said Number 10 clearly had a decision-making role. The inquiry heard that Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, who were prime ministers at different points in 2022, were involved in decisions concerning the site. The inquiry is also examining the death of Hussein Haseeb Ahmed, 31.

He became ill with diphtheria after arriving by small boat, was admitted for care belatedly and remained handcuffed while dying. The handcuffs were removed two and a half hours before his death. Evidence suggested a succession of missed opportunities, the inquiry heard.

Lawyers also raised allegations of racist language, poor sanitation and the use of unvetted staff. Sixty families were reportedly placed in 11 rooms with one toilet for 81 people. The inquiry, chaired by Sophie Cartwright KC, has not yet confirmed future hearing dates.