Manston Inquiry: Timeline

Key dates in the inquiry's progress, assembled from its recorded milestones and hearing phases.

Hearing-phase dates are taken from the published hearing days; some earlier milestone dates are approximate where the inquiry has not published an exact date.

Milestones & hearing phases

Milestone Hearing phase Reports & costs Still to come
12 Feb 2025
Inquiry established
The Home Office announced a non-statutory inquiry, under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, into the conditions and treatment of people detained at the Manston Short-Term Holding Facility between 1 June and 22 November 2022.
12 Feb 2025
Chair named
Sophie Cartwright KC was named as Chair of the Inquiry.
12 Feb 2025
Terms of Reference published
The Inquiry's original Terms of Reference were published.
17 Mar 2025
Inquiry commenced
The Inquiry formally commenced its work.
18 Dec 2025
Terms of Reference expanded
The Terms of Reference were expanded to include how, and in what circumstances, a man detained at Manston came by his death in November 2022.
15 Jan 2026
Procedural / preliminary hearing
1 sitting day
To be confirmed
Final report (to be confirmed)
The inquiry has not yet reported.