The former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has come under fire from the chair of an inquiry for neglecting to submit crucial evidence concerning the treatment of asylum seekers at the contentious Manston processing centre. The inquiry is investigating the conditions that thousands faced after arriving in the UK by small boat between June and November 2022, a period marked by a surge in arrivals.
The Manston Inquiry: A Closer Look
Established to scrutinise the handling of asylum seekers at the former military base in Kent, the Manston inquiry aims to uncover the specific events surrounding the detention of nearly 46,000 individuals. At its peak, the facility, which was designed to accommodate a maximum of 1,600 people for short stays, became overwhelmed, housing around 4,000 detainees. This led to appalling living conditions, with reports of overflowing toilets, inadequate sleeping arrangements, and alarming outbreaks of diseases, including diphtheria and scabies.
The inquiry’s focus includes the policy decisions made by ministers during this tumultuous period, specifically scrutinising the actions taken to alleviate the dire conditions that many asylum seekers endured. Notably, the death of Hussein Haseeb Ahmed on 19 November 2022, following his illness at Manston, is a critical aspect of the investigation.
Jenrick’s Responsibility and Response
Sophie Cartwright KC, the inquiry chair, has expressed frustration over Jenrick’s lack of cooperation. In a statement on the inquiry’s website, she highlighted that the inquiry first contacted Jenrick on 17 October 2025 for a draft statement. Despite several extensions granted by the inquiry’s legal team, no response has been forthcoming. Cartwright noted, “Many months have passed without any certainty as to whether or when he will provide a statement.”
As conditions at Manston spiralled, Jenrick acknowledged in parliament that detainees were being held for longer than intended. This admission comes in stark contrast to the picture painted by David Neal, the independent chief inspector of Borders and Immigration, who described the conditions as “wretched” and “really dangerous” after his visit in October 2022.
In a controversial decision, Jenrick ordered the removal of child-friendly murals from Manston and another Kent processing centre, deeming them “too welcoming” for young children. This move raised further questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals within the immigration system.
A Call for Accountability
The inquiry’s progress has been hampered by Jenrick’s apparent reluctance to engage, prompting criticism from various quarters. Seema Syeda of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants condemned Jenrick for his inaction, stating, “As former Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick was at the head of a Victorian-era system responsible for the cruel detention and death from diphtheria of Hussein Haseeb Ahmed.” Syeda’s comments underscore the urgent need for accountability in the face of such tragic outcomes.
A spokesperson for Jenrick, representing Reform UK, maintained that a written statement would be provided to the inquiry “in due course.” This response has done little to quell the anger surrounding the former minister’s perceived inaction. Critics emphasise that the inquiry is a vital means of understanding and rectifying the failures of the current immigration system.
Why it Matters
The ongoing inquiry into the Manston processing centre is not merely an examination of past events but a crucial opportunity to address systemic failures within the UK’s immigration policies. As the nation grapples with a rising number of asylum seekers, the outcomes of this inquiry could have significant implications for future immigration practices and the treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking safety. Ensuring accountability for past mismanagement is essential in fostering a humane and effective immigration system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
