Manston asylum seeker centre probe set for March

An inquiry will investigate the alleged mistreatment of asylum seekers at the Manston processing centre, the government has announced.

A non-statutory inquiry will begin on 17 March to look into the "decisions, actions and circumstances" which led to conditions at the Kent processing centre, where some people were placed in tents in November 2022.

The decision by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reverses plans made by her predecessor James Cleverly, who promised a statutory inquiry which could compel witnesses to give evidence.

Lawyers acting for some 96 asylum seekers at the centre have said they had faced "egregious conditions" that affected their "personal hygiene and wellbeing".

Announcing the probe, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle said: "The Government will make no comment on issues which are now in the purview of the inquiry until it has concluded, but we will encourage all current and former public officials with evidence to provide to the inquiry to co-operate with its requests for assistance."

The former military base opened as a processing centre in February 2022.

Later that year, thousands of migrants were placed in tents at the site, which was used to process people who had arrived by small boats to the UK, leading to overcrowding and disease, including diphtheria.

Around 4,000 people were reportedly being held in the 1,600-person capacity processing centre.

Former Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration David Neal said he spoke to an Afghan family who had been in a marquee for 32 days when he visited the site in October 2022.

Manston was cleared of people being held there by 22 November, 2022, with everyone staying at the site placed in alternative accommodation.

The independent inquiry will be chaired by Sophie Cartwright KC, a senior barrister with experience of inquests and inquiries.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.