Brook House Immigration Removal Centre

Brook House Inquiry Logo

Brook House Immigration Removal Centre is a detention centre located near Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, England. It is operated by G4S under contract with the Home Office. The facility is used to detain individuals who are subject to immigration control and are awaiting decisions on their asylum claims or pending deportation.

History[edit | edit source]

Brook House was opened in 2009 and is one of several immigration removal centres in the United Kingdom. The centre was designed to hold up to 448 detainees and is modeled after a Category B prison.

Facilities[edit | edit source]

The centre includes various facilities for detainees, such as:

Accommodation units
Healthcare services
Legal advice services
Recreational areas
Religious and cultural facilities

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Brook House has been the subject of several controversies and criticisms, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and the conditions within the centre. In 2017, an undercover investigation by the BBC's Panorama program revealed instances of abuse and mistreatment by staff members. This led to calls for improved oversight and reforms in the management of the centre.

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

Healthcare services at Brook House are provided by NHS England. Detainees have access to general medical care, mental health services, and dental care. However, there have been concerns about the adequacy of healthcare provision, particularly for those with complex medical needs.

Legal Issues[edit | edit source]

Detainees at Brook House have access to legal advice and representation. Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and legal aid services provide support to detainees in preparing their cases for asylum or appeals against deportation.