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Home Office has ‘blood on its hands’ over death of Manston detainee, campaigners claim
A view of the Manston immigration short-term holding facility located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent. Picture date: Monday November 14, 2022.

HOME SECRETARY Suella Braverman has been accused of having “blood on her hands” after a man who was being processed at the Manston facility died at the weekend.

The Home Office said the man was taken to hospital on Friday evening after becoming “unwell” at the Kent processing centre, but died on Saturday morning. 

He had arrived in Britain by small boat on November 12, according to reports. 

Migrant rights campaigners have described the death as “completely foreseeable” following concerns raised around healthcare provision and appalling conditions at the Kent facility.

In a statement today, the anti-borders coalition group Action Against Detention and Deportation said: “There is copious evidence that Manston is not fit for human habitation and falls far below even minimum standards for accommodation, healthcare and the safeguarding. 

“The camp should have closed a long time ago — in fact it should never have been opened. 

“It is therefore no exaggeration to say that Suella Braverman and the Home Office have blood on their hands.” 

It added: “The government intends poor living conditions to act as a deterrent to people crossing the Channel. 

“This was therefore not an accident — and many more vulnerable people seeking safety are at risk.”

The former RAF base has been hit with a series of scandals in recent months including reports of diphtheria and MRSA outbreaks, extreme overcrowding and new arrivals being abandoned on the streets of London. 

Ms Braverman was accused of creating the crisis by reportedly refusing to sign off on new hostels, which she and the Home Office have denied. 

The Home Office has said there is no evidence to suggest at this point that the death was caused by an infectious disease. 

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out and the Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified.

Inquest, a charity that supports families affected by state-related deaths, has called for a full independent inquiry, saying this was needed to hold the different agencies involved “to account.” Labour has also called for a “full investigation.”  

A statement posted on Twitter by the Home Office on Saturday said: “We take the safety of those in our care extremely seriously and are profoundly saddened by this event.

“A post-mortem examination will take place so it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

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