The shortcomings of the UK’s immigration detention system and the resulting deleterious health impacts on migrants and asylum seekers have been raised by organisations including the BMA and Medical Justice for years; the meeting will examine this, explain what both organisations are doing, and discuss what you can do.

The Brook House Inquiry was set up to investigate mistreatment and abuse of people detained in Brook House immigration removal centre following an undercover investigation by BBC Panorama. In September 2023, it published its findings. The Inquiry uncovered a system where detained people were regularly dehumanised, their mental and physical health deteriorated and serious mental health concerns went ignored. The findings, while highly regrettable, echo those from the BMA’s 2017 seminal report ‘Locked Up, Locked Out’ and Medical Justice's recent 2023 report, "If he dies, he dies". The Inquiry's report is indicative of how, amongst other failings, a lack of safeguards, insufficient resources, and poor training, can have a dire impact on the healthcare of migrants held in detention.

Come along to this event to learn more about the Inquiry’s findings and hear from a number of experts, including from both the BMA and Medical Justice, about the state of healthcare in the migration system today. Places are free for BMA members, but limited so you are advised to book as soon as possible. 

Speakers

Speakers will include: Kate Eves (Brook House Inquiry Chair), Dr John Chisholm CBE (BMA International Committee Deputy Chair), Dr Rachel Bingham (Clinical Advisor for Medical Justice), and Stephanie Harrison KC.