Probe into claims of immigration racism
The Home Office is to investigate claims of racism in a asylum detention centre after an undercover BBC documentary.
Journalists on BBC One’s Real Story gathered evidence of alleged racism and violence at Oakington Immigration Reception Centre, near Cambridge, which will now be investigated by the Home Office.
Following an investigation by reporter Simon Boazman, who worked covertly at the centre for three months, 15 employees of Global Solutions Ltd have been suspended from frontline duties.
During the programme, worker Jason Martin, known as Wolfie, is seen making apparently racist comments to a detainee who refused to get out of bed.
He is heard saying: “Get out of bed before I do you some damage”, as well as: “You think you’re not going to do anything ‘cos a white person tells you what to do. Well I’m afraid you’re wrong.”
Mr Martin no longer works at the centre.
Mr Boazman suggested that the majority of the officers he worked with during his time at the centre were doing their jobs correctly, but that he saw examples of racism firsthand.
“Many of the officers I met on my shift did try their best to treat the detainees with dignity and respect,” the reporter said.
“But there were a significant minority like Wolfie who were racist.”
Immigration Minister Des Browne has confirmed that he will be investigating the allegations of abuse and will do all he can to ensure that any evidence of racism is dealt with.
“There is absolutely no place for racism anywhere in our society, and particularly within the immigration system,” he said.
“Detention and removal is an essential part of effective immigration controls, but it is vital that it is done with humanity and dignity, and I am committed to ensuring this is the case.”
Mark Oaten, the home affairs spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, voiced his concern about the situation, saying that he was “disturbed by the apparent lack of control at Oakington”.
