Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of (1) electricity and water supplies, (2) sanitary equipment, (3) food and cooking arrangements, and (4) precautions against communicable diseases, at each of the immigration detention centres.

The safety and welfare of all those in our care is of the utmost importance and we accept nothing but the highest standards from companies employed to provide detention and escorting services on our behalf.

Immigration removal centres (IRC) suppliers are required to provide a safe and secure environment for detained individuals in their care and the conditions and facilities at all immigration detention facilities are kept under regular review.

In addition, all IRCs, short term holding facilities (STHFs) and the escort provider have robust contingency plans covering a wide range of risks (including loss of power and water supplies and communicable diseases). These are tested on a regular basis and are audited by Home Office compliance teams.