Tory ex-ministers face serious questions over migrant centre chaos, inquiry hears

Image source, PA Media Image caption, The Manston centre in Kent, used to hold thousands of migrants, became overcrowded in 2022

Home and legal correspondent Published 1 hour ago An overcrowded migrant reception centre, where a man died, raises "very serious questions" for ministers in the former Conservative government, including two home secretaries and former prime ministers, an inquiry has heard.

The Manston centre in Kent became overwhelmed in November 2022 at the height of the small boats crisis, with around 4,000 people held there.

Home Office officials knew conditions were unlawful and children were at risk of harm, but had no alternative plan for where to accommodate them, the inquiry heard on Friday.

Former Home Secretaries Dame Priti Patel and Suella Braverman shared in preliminary evidence that Number 10 was involved in decisions made at the time.