Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason it is a requirement for volunteers to sign the Official Secrets Act when volunteering to be on an independent monitoring board for an immigration removal centre.

The Detention Centre Rules 2001 regulate how immigration removal centres are operated, with the overall purpose of the rules being to ensure a secure and humane environment. The safety, security and welfare of staff and detained individuals are of vital importance in the operation of the immigration removal estate and this includes the strict regulation of those entering and working in immigration removal centres, under Rule 53 of the Detention Centre Rules.

Members of Independent Monitoring Boards, who are appointed by the Home Secretary under section 152 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, are required to sign the Official Secrets Act as part of the Home Office clearance process.