Read the report: Lithuania escort and removals

HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMI Prisons) has published a report on an inspection of an escorted immigration removal flight taking 22 people to Vilnius in Lithuania in May 2021.

This is the fourth overseas removal inspected by HMI Prisons since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first since the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The Lithuanian detainees – many of whom had recently completed a prison sentence or had entered the country having been previously deported after such a sentence – were removed after being collected from three immigration removal centres (IRCs). Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: “The operation was straightforward and went ahead as scheduled.”

The ratio of escorting staff to detainees was approximately 3:1, with 61 escort and three health care staff on the flight. Social distancing was practised inconsistently, but staff and most detainees wore face coverings. All detainees and escorting staff had been required to provide negative COVID-19 tests before the flight.

Mr Taylor said:

“Some documentation did not convey the information that was needed to assess detainees’ current risks and vulnerabilities and instead relied heavily on detainees’ previous criminal convictions.

“We observed detainees generally being treated courteously, but individuals were too often identified only by their number on the flight manifest. An interpreter was present to support good communication, but not available for most detainees until they boarded the aircraft.”

No force was required, but guiding holds were still used when detainees were boarding. Mr Taylor commented: “The need for escorting staff to be close to detainees during embarkation was understandable, but we could not see a justification for the decision to physically hold onto them.”

Detainees were not permitted to lock toilet doors at removal centres, on coaches or on the plane and, Mr Taylor said, “it was difficult to justify this intrusion on privacy and individual dignity, in the absence of any presenting risks.”

At Brook House IRC, near Gatwick, a new coat was offered to all detainees who did not have one with them because of the temperature anticipated on arrival in Lithuania. Inspectors identified this as notable positive practice.

Mr Taylor added:

“Alighting from the aircraft at Vilnius passed without incident and, overall, the escort operation was smooth.”

– End –

Notes to editors

1. Read the report: Lithuania escort and removals. This report was published on 24 June 2021.
2. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment, and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
3. This flight from Stansted to Vilnius took place on 11 May 2021.The escort contractor was Mitie Care and Custody.
4. Please contact john.steele@justice.gov.uk – 07880 787452 – if you would like more information.