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Date submitted

6 August 2026

Submitted by

Interested party

UAI in the UK is a member of the Detention Forum and supports their objection to this proposal to increase the capacity of the Haslar Detention Centre. We would not wish to attend any hearing. We object principally because the proposed expansion would lead to serious consequences for an increased number of vulnerable people. There is a wealth of evidence that immigration detention can have severe effects on the mental and physical health of asylum seekers awaiting the resolution of their claims. Many have already suffered trauma from persecution, trafficking and torture, with resulting mental health issues such as PTSD. Being confined in a Detention Centre, for an indeterminant period in a situation of uncertainty about the future, reinforces anxiety and depression, PTSD and potential self-harm. Furthermore, an enlarged Centre is more likely to attract external attention, protest and possible violence, which would add to the stress on the detainees. It would also have a serious impact on the local residents and put pressures on local law enforcement. Detention in this way runs counter to maintaining the protection, dignity and compassion afforded to asylum seekers, which is enshrined in international humanitarian law and Conventions, and has hitherto been Government practice in the UK. The cost of the proposed expansion would in our view be much better spent on community-based alternatives and an enhancement of the efficiency of immigration case management. We urge the decision makers to reject this application.