Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Affairs Secretary, commenting on the independent review into the running of Yarl’s Wood said:

“It should not have been left to SERCO to commission an independent review into the running of Yarl’s Wood. Theresa May should have done this when allegations first surfaced about sexual abuse by employees at the Centre – and should certainly not have renewed SERCO’s contract before carrying out a full investigation into the running of Yarl’s Wood.

“Kate Lampard is an incredibly experienced barrister, with real expertise in rooting out wrongdoing where victims voices have been ignored. I welcome the fact she will scrutinise what has been going on at Yarl’s Wood. But it is totally unacceptable that the Government did not do this over a year ago.  

“It is Theresa May’s responsibility to make sure people are treated humanely - she is completely failing to do so.”