Introduce 28-day maximum time limit on detention
The government must introduce in legislation a maximum 28-day time limit on any individual's detention within an immigration removal centre.
- No subsequent change of position has been identified in published government documents to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Not Accepted
Response
Not AcceptedThe government does not accept this recommendation. The government stated: 'A time limit would significantly impair the ability to remove those who have breached immigration laws and refused to leave the UK voluntarily.'
Progress Timeline
Judicial review R (D1914) v SSHD [2025] EWHC 1853 (Admin) dismissed (21 July 2025). Court found no legal obligation on government to comply with public inquiry recommendations. Rejection of 28-day detention time limit held to be lawful exercise of discretion.
Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): '30 out of the 33 recommendations have been accepted or partially accepted. Following full consideration three recommendations (recommendations 7, 19 and 30) have been rejected.'
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Government rejected this recommendation. 67% of detainees held over 2 months. Longest detention exceeded 550 days.
View detailed findings
Based on Independent Review of Progress visit in August 2025, following up 13 concerns from August 2024 inspection. Brook House run by Serco held 192 detainees at time of visit.
Inquiry Chair Kate Eves described government response as "inadequate" and called for a "reset" with the new government. Warned abuse "becomes a question of when, not if" it happens again.
View detailed findings
In September 2024, Kate Eves told Channel 4 News she was "disappointed with what I see as an inadequate response by the former government to an important report." She noted the inquiry cost about £20 million over four years. Home Office lawyers had argued her "recommendations are not binding."