Home Office fails to protect vulnerable migrants, high court judge rules

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Diane TaylorDecember 15, 2025 at 05:46 PM

AI Summary

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A High Court judge ruled that the UK Home Office has failed to protect vulnerable migrants in immigration detention centers, violating their human rights. The ruling stems from a case brought by two men detained at Brook House detention center between July 2023 and March 2024, where previous abuses were documented. The judge found that the "rule 35" safeguard, requiring medical reports on vulnerable detainees, was not properly implemented, leading to a failure to assess their suitability for continued detention despite signs of mental illness and self-harm. The judge noted a long-standing systemic failure dating back to at least 2017, with a disconnect between those on suicide watch and the low number of rule 35 reports issued. The ruling could affect thousands of vulnerable migrants at risk in detention.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

European convention on human rights 40% Gatwick 50% Brook House immigration detention centre ×260% Mrs Justice Jefford 70% Home Office ×480%

Keywords

home office 90% vulnerable migrants 90% immigration detention 80% rule 35 70% inhuman and degrading treatment 70% high court judge 70% brook house 60% suicide risk 60% mental health 60% detention centres 60%