15 Response Accepted in Part AI-assessed

New comprehensive use of force detention services order

Recommendation

The Home Office must introduce, as a matter of urgency, a new and comprehensive detention services order to address use of force in immigration removal centres. The detention services order must include the following issues: the permissible justifications for the use of force within immigration removal centres, based on the key principle that force must not be used unnecessarily and must be used only as a last resort; the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including that it must be subject to a dynamic risk assessment before and during any use of force incident; the protection of dignity when force is used on a naked or near-naked detained person; the circumstances in which force can be used against a detained person with mental ill health; and monitoring, oversight and reporting of use of force by contractors and by the Home Office. The Home Office must ensure that training about the application of the new detention services order and use of force techniques takes place on a regular (at least annual) basis for all detention staff as well as healthcare staff. Attendance must be mandatory for all staff working in immigration removal centres and those responsible for managing them. The training must be subject to an assessment. In anticipation of a new detention services order on the use of force in immigration detention, the Home Office must issue an immediate instruction to its contractors managing immigration removal centres that force must be used only as a last resort, using approved techniques.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Home Office stated that a new Detention Services Order (DSO) on use of force was being developed in consultation with experts, alongside an overhaul of assurance processes and a new escalation system (Official government response, 19 March 2024). This was on track for closure by summer 2025 (Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170, 15 January 2025). An independent review in August 2025 noted strengthened staffing levels and capability, with implemented training on a "Monitor, Challenge and Support" process, indicating related improvements in the detention environment (HM Inspectorate of Prisons, August 2025). However, the publication of the new comprehensive DSO itself has not been explicitly confirmed as of March 2026.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 18 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part Home Office
19 Mar 2024

A new Detention Services Order on use of force is being developed in consultation with experts, alongside an overhaul of assurance processes and a new escalation system.

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Progress Timeline
Parliamentary Answer
14 Jan 2025

Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'On track for closure by summer 2025.'

Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Good Progress
03 Sep 2025
HM Inspectorate of Prisons Inspection Report

Staffing levels and capability strengthened with lower attrition rates and more visible frontline management. Training on "Monitor, Challenge and Support" process implemented.

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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.

Report on an independent review of progress at Br… View Source
Insufficient Progress
19 Sep 2024
Brook House Inquiry Chair Other

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.

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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."

Channel 4 News interview, September 2024
Source
Report The Brook House Inquiry Report 19 Sep 2023
Responsible Bodies
Home Office Primary
Recommendation age 2.5 yrs
Last formal update 434 days ago