13 April 2026
HMI Prisons finds ongoing shortcomings in interpretation during France removal flight under “one in, one out” scheme
[…] HMI Prisons found that escort staff acted professionally and respectfully throughout the operation. No force was used during the removal, and inspectors noted that staff maintained calm and orderly conduct even in the context of heightened tensions following the earlier disrupted flight.
However, inspectors identified a key concern relating to access to interpretation services. The report concludes that communication support remained inconsistent, with interpreters not always available in person, by telephone, or via electronic tools, limiting detainees' ability to understand key stages of the process.
Inspectors reported that while detainees were generally aware of their removal and its timing, many were not informed in detail about what would happen upon arrival in France, contributing to anxiety among some individuals. Detainees spoke a wide range of languages and only a few were able to understand English.
The report states: "Interpreter provision was insufficient; for example, no interpreter was initially available at Brook House or on one of the coaches. As a result, detainees sometimes interpreted for each other, which was not always appropriate. Four interpreters attended the operation, but their languages did not match all detainee needs. Staff used various interpreting aids with mixed success, and there was no consistent approach to ensure understanding."
A similar concern was raised by HMI Prisons in an earlier February report that inspected a November 2025 removal flight to France. HMI Prisons noted: "At this inspection we found that this concern had not been addressed." [...]
You can download the 14-page report here.
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