Thank you for contacting me about immigration detention.
It is only right that every case of detention is considered individually and kept under constant review. I would like to assure you that decisions to detain people are not taken lightly and there is a general presumption of liberty for all. If detention is used as circumstances change, detention is reviewed, and release may then be the appropriate response.
I know the Government is committed to using immigration detention sparingly and only when necessary. Indefinite detention is not permitted in UK law. In order for the detention of an individual to be lawful, there must be a realistic prospect of their removal within a reasonable timescale. The Government is held to account on this by the courts, and by a series of safeguards that ensure proper scrutiny of decisions to detain, and on-going detention.
In my view, a time limit is not only unnecessary, but it would also severely limit the Government’s ability to use detention as an effective means of maintaining lawful immigration control. I have been advised that any time limit would encourage those who seek to frustrate the removal process to run down the clock until the time limit is reached and release is guaranteed, regardless of the proximity of removal and the facts of the case.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
No comments:
Post a Comment