Torture revelations show immigration detention is inhumane

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons has released a report revealing that victims of torture have been detained at Tinsley House immigration removal centre in Gatwick. Commenting on the report, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey MP said:   “These revelations are shocking but sadly not surprising. We’ve already heard far too many cases of people being held in detention centres after fleeing torture abroad.   “Locking vulnerable people up – without giving them any idea of how long they’ll be detained – can cause or exacerbate mental health problems. We’ve heard harrowing, heart-breaking stories of detainees being traumatised to the point of self-harm and even attempting suicide.   “Indefinite detention on this scale is patently inhumane. It’s also expensive and often unnecessary.   “The Liberal Democrats demand better. Detention should only be used as an absolute last resort, and the Government must develop community-based alternatives that are both more humane and more cost-effective.”