Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the oral contribution of the hon. Member for Tottenham on 6 March 2018, column 187, Yarl's Wood Detention Centre, for what reason the question on human rights obligations was not answered.
We do not consider that the letter issued to individuals in immigration detention who have refused foods or fluids contravened human rights obligations.
The approach taken in the letter accurately reflects the fact that, in the interests of health and safety, the most appropriate way in which to respond to some cases of refusal to take food or fluids is to prioritise the consideration of the individual’s case including, if appropriate, their removal from detention and the UK, whilst ensuring that the case is processed fairly.