GSL Contract

Keith Vaz (Leicester, East) (Lab): My hon. Friend will have been as shocked as I and others have been by the BBC film about Oakington. He will know that on the Global Solutions Ltd. website it is stated that the employees at Oakington have been screened by the Home Office and subjected to vigorous vetting. I know that my hon. Friend has set up an inquiry into these matters, and I am glad that he did so so quickly. However, for how long will the inquiry last? What implications are there for the way in which Global Solutions conducts the rest of the contract that it has with the Home Office in respect of other institutions?

Mr. Browne: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. As I made clear at the time of the programme, I take these allegations extremely seriously. That is why, immediately after the programme, when I was in a position to have fuller facts than the BBC was able to give me prior to the programme going out, I announced an independent inquiry by Stephen Shaw, the prisons ombudsman, into the allegations contained in the programme. I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the allegations until the investigation is completed and Stephen Shaw has reported.

First, while Stephen Shaw's inquiry is under way, the immigration and nationality directorate is examining how our procedures can be strengthened. Secondly, I have asked Stephen Shaw to report quickly. Once he has reported back and made recommendations, I will be able to consider any implications that there are for the remainder of the detention estate and, of course, our relationship with GSL.

Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Does the Minister accept that there is cross-party disgust for any racist treatment of asylum seekers, refugees or migrants? Following on from the question of the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Keith Vaz), will the hon. Gentleman confirm that if Global Solutions is found to be wanting in Mr. Shaw's independent inquiry, the Home Office will consider suspending its contracts? The company has already been subject to an independent inquiry into the burning down of Yarl's Wood. It does not help to inspire any confidence in my constituents in and around Bicester that it is a fit and proper company to run an accommodation centre for asylum seekers when they see on their televisions refugees being treated so appallingly.

Mr. Browne: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. I accept that he speaks for all parties in the House in his condemnation of racism. I have made it clear that racism has no part anywhere in our society, and particularly not in the immigration system. Detention and removal is an essential part of an effective immigration control system, but it must be carried out with humanity and dignity and in accordance with our laws, especially those laws designed to protect people from racial discrimination.

The point that the hon. Gentleman makes about our continued relationship with GSL will have to be considered in the light of the report from Stephen Shaw. GSL is a successful company in managing and carrying out many contracts with the Government. Until Stephen Shaw reports, I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will accept that it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further.