Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to protect LGBT+ people from experiencing homophobic abuse whilst in detention in the UK.

The rights of all detained individuals are safeguarded by the Detention Centre Rules 2001, published operating standards for immigration removal centres (IRCs) and Detention Services Orders (DSO).

Any discrimination against those who are detained in our immigration removal estate is unacceptable, and we take robust action against anyone who is found not to have behaved appropriately. Published guidance sets out the standards of treatment for transexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in detention, to ensure that all staff working in the Home Office removal estate are aware of the actions to identify and appropriately meet their needs.

Detainee Custody Officers in IRCs receive diversity training as part of their initial training, covering the treatment of LGBT detained persons and others with protected characteristics. In addition, supplier staff provide opportunities for detained individuals to safely disclose their sexual orientation and ensure that those who choose to disclose can access support and assistance. This information is treated sensitively in line with data protection legislation.