James Brokenshire MP

Minister of State for Immigration

Home Office

2 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DF

Date: 16^th July 2014

Dear James,

I am writing to you about the time limit on detention in immigration centres.

Currently, the UK is the only country in Europe that routinely detains migrants for years, without charge and without time limit.

Under the Immigration Act 2014, immigrants can be detained until a decision is made about whether or not to allow them into the UK or pending their removal from the UK. The legislation does not include guidance as to how much time a person can remain in detention. Although detainees can apply for a detention review after 7 days, many of those in detention are unaware of these procedures and have limited access to legal advice.

This practice not only costs the UK taxpayer an absurd amount of money, but it also puts foreign nationals through an unnecessary amount of stress. The cost to the physical health and mental well-being, of immigrants held in long-term detention centres is unmeasurable

Immigration detention should have time limitations and should only be used as a very last resort in immigration cases. I am, therefore, asking you to review the current procedures which allow for immigrants to remain in detention for unspecified periods of time, and to end this practice with immediate effect.

The EU Returns Directive, recommends a maximum time limit of 18 months for immigrants in detention centres. I strongly suggest that the UK adopts the measures set out in this directive, and implements them immediately. I would also like clarification on the reasons why this directive has not already been implemented.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Yours sincerely,