A group of approximately 80 migrants detained under the government's 'one in, one out' policy have made serious allegations against the Home Office, accusing it of causing them 'severe physical harm' and demanding a United Nations investigation into their treatment.
Allegations of Inhumane Conditions at Heathrow Centre
The migrants, who are being held at the Harmondsworth immigration removal centre near Heathrow Airport, have compiled a detailed document outlining their experiences. They claim to have suffered arbitrary detention, denial of legal representation, and inadequate medical care since arriving in the UK illegally via small boats.
The individuals, who hail from countries including Sudan, Afghanistan, and Iran, say they came to Britain seeking a 'peaceful life'. Instead, they report being rushed into detention without time to rest or contact their families after perilous Channel crossings.
'Dehumanising' Treatment and Mental Health Crisis
The report paints a stark picture of conditions within the facility. Detainees allege they are suffering from a range of untreated physical illnesses, as well as mental health crises including depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
'There have been multiple incidents involving individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, including self-harm attempts,' the document states. It adds that the environment has fostered 'constant fear, despair, and uncertainty,' leaving detainees feeling 'dehumanised and invisible.'
The group claims their treatment violates fundamental human rights principles of dignity and due process, prompting their call for intervention from the UN and human rights organisations.
New Powers and Policy Setbacks
These allegations emerge as the government enforces new measures to tackle Channel crossings. Authorities have announced powers to seize mobile phones from illegal migrants without an arrest, using technology at the Manston processing centre in Kent to gather intelligence on smuggling networks.
This follows the recent enactment of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which introduces harsh penalties. These include sentences of up to 14 years in jail for storing or supplying boat engines used for people smuggling.
However, the flagship 'one in, one out' returns scheme has faced significant setbacks. Official figures reveal that between September and December, the UK accepted 195 asylum-seekers from France while returning only 193 people who crossed the Channel. This contradicts the government's original promise of an 'equal number' travelling in each direction.
The policy, agreed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, has also been undermined by legal challenges and the reported return of two removed individuals via small boats.
Home Office Rejects the Claims
A Home Office source has strongly refuted the migrants' allegations. They stated that individuals are advised of their right to legal representation within 24 hours of arrival and are offered free legal advice surgeries.
The source added that detainees are provided with mobile phones and free call credits to contact family, and that the centres have dedicated 24-hour on-site healthcare teams offering mental health, dental, and substance misuse services.
A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We do not recognise the claims relating to conditions at Harmondsworth. We regard the welfare of people detained in our care as being of utmost importance.' They reiterated that the returns scheme is a top priority to 'strike at the heart' of people-smuggling gangs.
The first return flight to France under the scheme this year is scheduled for Wednesday, as the government continues to grapple with Channel crossings, which saw 41,472 arrivals last year.
