Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether people temporarily residing at immigration removal centres are entitled to receive free (a) English language and (b) other classes.

As set out in the Detention Centre Rules 2001 immigration removal centres (IRCs) provide secure but humane accommodation for detained persons in a relaxed regime with as much freedom of movement and association as possible, consistent with maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Rule 17 sets out that activities have to meet recreational and intellectual needs of detained individuals and relief of boredom, this includes arrangements for taking part in educational activities. The published Detention Centre Operating Standards sets out a requirement for educational classes in English language and contractually our IRC suppliers are required to deliver this provision.