Morton Hall in Lincolnshire is one of the most controversial immigration detention centres, with several deaths occurring in recent years, and many investigations. The centre, which was a female prison from 1985 to 2011, will return to the prison estate next year.

The detention centre can currently accommodate 400 people, and it is run by for the Home Office by the prison service. In recent years there have been many complaints about the facilities because of its remote location and prison-like conditions. A recent inspection report by HMIP (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons) found high levels of self-harm, violence and torture.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Those in Morton Hall will be transferred to other immigration detention centres. This will be managed carefully, and each individual will be assessed before their transfer. Most individuals at Morton Hall will move in the months ahead for removal flights, bail hearings or other procedures, so the numbers will be reduced in the runup to its return to use as a prison.”

Many other detention centres in the UK are also due for closure. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the numbers held in detention centres has dramatically fallen. The UK has almost the largest detention system in Europe. Campaigners against the immigration detention policies say that the decreasing number of detainees proves the UK does not need to use jail-like means.