Immigration centre to reopen under same management

A company criticised for how it ran a controversial immigration centre has been awarded a new contract to run the same facility again.

Campsfield House, near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was operated by Mitie but shut in 2018 after years of problems, including riots, escapes and complaints about conditions.

It was announced last year it would reopen, and Mitie has now been given a six-year contract to run the site.

Mitie, which expects the centre to open in December, said it would ensure Campsfield was a "safe and supportive environment for all".

Bill MacKeith, a member of Keep Campsfield Closed coalition, said awarding the contract to Mitie was "shocking".

"Mitie does not have a good record," he said.

"Its time running Campsfield was marred by a major fire, suicide and three mass hunger strikes."

Green councillor for Oxfordshire County Council, Ian Middleton, added: "The fact that this is the same company who ran Campsfield immediately before its closure doesn't bode well for future detainees."

The government said the site would have "robust physical security measures and appropriate security procedures in place to ensure the facility operates safely and securely."

A petition to keep the site closed has more than 1,600 signatures.

Last year, the chief inspector of prisons said Mitie-run Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), near Heathrow, had the worst conditions they had seen in immigration detention.

In a statement, Mitie said its new contract to operate Campsfield was "the result of our commitment to upholding the highest standards of welfare, safety, and dignity for all residents in our care."

"His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prison's most recent report on Harmondsworth following a review of progress, recognised the centre's exceptional response – highlighting a respectful and positive culture between colleagues and residents, as well as significant improvements to living conditions and facilities since the previous inspection," it added.

"We are proud to be bringing the same dedication, compassion, and strong leadership to the running of Campsfield IRC, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all."

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