Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karen Bradley and Caroline Spelman

Thursday 26th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con)]

10. What discussions she has had with the Home Secretary on immigration detention of pregnant women.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Karen Bradley)]

Published Home Office policy states that pregnant women should not usually be detained unless there is a prospect of early safe removal. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary asked Stephen Shaw, the former prisons and probation ombudsman for England and Wales, to review the detention of vulnerable individuals. His report and the Government response will be published before the Immigration Bill completes its passage through Parliament.

[Mrs Spelman]

I welcome the Minister’s statement. In 2014, 99 pregnant women were detained at Yarl’s Wood, and I understand that there are some remaining cases. Will the Minister use her good offices to expedite those cases?

[Karen Bradley]

I will make sure that the Home Office looks carefully at all the cases my right hon. Friend has raised. I repeat that pregnant women should not routinely be detained. The Home Office is currently considering Stephen Shaw’s review on detainee welfare, and we will publish his report before the Immigration Bill completes its passage.