Yarl's Wood: Events of 14 and 15 February

HL Deb 19 June 2003 vol 649 cc141-2WA

Baroness Golding

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made into the investigation of events at Yarl's Wood Removal Centre on 14 and 15 February 2003. [HL3503]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

In a Statement on 25 February following the disturbance at Yarl's Wood removal centre on 14 and 15 February, the Home Secretary indicated that Stephen Moore, a member of the Prison Service, would conduct an overarching investigation of the events. He has made significant progress with this investigation, but it cannot be completed until any associated court proceedings have concluded. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Stephen Shaw, has provided an independent overview of the work done so far.

In view of the interest which has been shown in the events at Yarl's Wood, we have concluded that it would be preferable for the outcome of the investigation to be fully independent, and have therefore asked Stephen Shaw to take overall responsibility for the investigation (with the same terms of reference) and bring it to a conclusion. He will submit his report to the head of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in due course. We are grateful to Mr Moore for his important contribution to the investigation thus far.