David Hanson MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Immigration, responding to the report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on the escort and removal of detainees, said:

“The Chief Inspector’s report shows yet more incompetence and heartlessness from Home Office Ministers who have ignored warnings and have done nothing to ensure private contractors do their jobs properly, and that immigration detainees are treated with basic human respect and dignity.

“It’s right that people who are here illegally are deported, but it must be done in a fair and humane way. However, the Home Secretary has seemingly ignored cases of mistreatment and allegations of abuse and is failing to ensure these private contracts - funded by the taxpayer - are being delivered competently, professionally and in accordance with the rules.

“It’s a shocking attitude at the top of the Home Office that is allowing these companies to go on running things in an unprofessional manner and inhumane way. This has to stop.”