Migrant centre riot warnings 'were ignored'
A DAMNING report on migrant detention centres accurately warned ministers two weeks ago that holding foreign prisoners in them would cause a riot.
And last night 14 convicts remained on the run after 26 foreign prisoners fled during a fire that was started at a centre on Saturday.
The mass escape led to the Tories accusing the Government of a cover-up about prisoners at the centres.
The break-out at Campsfield House in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was the second incident in less than five months.
In March, rioting and fire broke out after staff tried to remove an Algerian detainee for his deportation.
Sixty detainees had to be transferred because of the damage caused to the centre, run by US firm GEO.
Less than two weeks ago a report by retired civil servant Robert Whalley warned the centre’s “fabric” was not suitable for holding foreign national prisoners.
He also said another disturbance was likely if the problems were not addressed. He wrote: “The impact of foreign national prisoners (FNPs) is the biggest external issue affecting Campsfield House.
“It is putting the centre under great strain.
“The fabric is not suitable for FNPs. It has none of the strength of a prison, nor does it offer any flexibility for dealing with difficult incidents.”
The report also examined a riot at Harmondsworth centre, near Heathrow.
It concluded: “The underlying causes are still there and, without any changes, the same thing could happen again at either establishment.”
The 26 who fled Campsfield had finished their jail terms and were awaiting deportation. A dozen were recaptured within hours but 14, included convicted robbers, remain at large.
A Bangladeshi fugitive was caught after knocking on the door of off-duty prison officer Bill Smith, 50.
Last night the Conservatives accused the Government of not answering key questions on the detention of foreign crooks.
Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “This looks like a cover up which has gone wrong.
“Why are foreign prisoners allowed to reach the end of their sentence without the deportation process being put in place?”
Former Home Secretary John Reid “promised this would happen, but once again we see tough talk not being matched by effective action,” he added.
The GMB union yesterday said staff levels in UK immigration centres were “too low” and contributed to disturbances and escapes of detainees.
National official Paul Campbell said: “The GMB submitted evidence to the Home Office Select Committee on Immigration and Asylum earlier this year but our members report no practical changes at the centres.
“When it is awarding these contracts, the Home Office must include a specification of the level of staff required to ensure the safety of staff, detainees and the local community.”
