Update guidance on fit to fly and fit for detention medical assessments
The Home Office must review and update Detention Services Order 01/2016: The Protection, Use and Sharing of Medical Information Relating to People Detained Under Immigration Powers, to ensure that guidance given to GPs working in the immigration detention estate in relation to their duties and responsibilities in writing 'fit to fly and fit for detention' letters is clear. It must liaise with NHS England and any relevant medical regulators as necessary. The Home Office must ensure that training about the updated guidance takes place on a regular (at least annual) basis for GPs working in the immigration detention estate and those responsible for managing them. The training must be subject to an assessment. The Home Office must monitor compliance with this updated guidance at least annually.
- No published updated guidance to GPs on fit to fly or fit for detention assessment duties has been identified in DSO updates or NHS England publications to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe government acknowledged NHS England's commissioning responsibility. The government stated that fit to fly letters are 'a medico-legal practice' and outside the responsibility of NHS England.
Progress Timeline
Angela Eagle, Written PQ 23170 (15 January 2025): 'On track for closure by summer 2025.'
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.
Better-resourced welfare and reception services. Healthcare provision improved but gaps remain in mental health support.
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."