A new inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMI Prisons) has identified ongoing issues with interpretation services during a recent UK removal flight to France under the “one in, one out” agreement.
You can download the 14-page report here.
The inspection reviewed a charter removal operation carried out on 20–21 January 2026. This followed a similar flight the previous week that had been disrupted by a detainee protest, requiring additional specialist intervention.
Under the July 2025 UK–France agreement, individuals arriving in the UK by small boat may be returned to France, while the UK accepts an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France.
The January operation involved the transfer of 32 male detainees from Brook House, Harmondsworth, and Tinsley House Immigration Removal Centres. They were escorted by 73 staff and two paramedics to Stansted Airport before being flown to Paris.
Inspectors found that escort staff maintained a high standard of professionalism throughout the operation. No force was used during this particular removal, and staff were noted to have handled the process calmly despite heightened tensions following the earlier disrupted flight.
However, a key concern highlighted in the report was the continued lack of consistent interpretation support. Inspectors found that interpreters were not always available-either in person, by phone, or through digital tools-making it difficult for detainees to fully understand the removal process.
Although most detainees were aware they were being removed and when it would take place, many lacked clear information about what would happen upon arrival in France. This uncertainty contributed to anxiety among individuals, particularly as many detainees spoke little or no English.
The report noted that interpreter provision was insufficient and inconsistent. In some cases, detainees were forced to interpret for each other, which was considered inappropriate. While a small number of interpreters were present, their language coverage did not meet all needs, and there was no structured system to ensure effective communication.
Importantly, inspectors highlighted that this issue had already been raised in a previous report relating to a November 2025 removal flight and had still not been resolved.
Despite these shortcomings, the overall treatment of detainees was described as respectful. Staff briefings reinforced professional conduct, and interactions between staff and detainees were consistently appropriate.
Detainees were allowed access to mobile phones before and during the journey, enabling them to contact legal representatives and family members. However, some individuals reported difficulties in securing legal advice, and six removals were halted due to last-minute legal interventions.
The report also noted the absence of Home Office officials at removal centres to address individual case queries. While a senior immigration officer was present on the flight and engaged with some detainees, time constraints meant not all concerns could be addressed.
The operation concluded without incident, with a calm arrival and disembarkation in Paris.
The report also referenced earlier flights under the same scheme, where force had been used in certain cases. Records showed that restraint techniques were applied during previous operations where detainees resisted removal, with inspectors concluding that such use of force had been justified based on risk assessments.
LawSentis Viewpoint
At LawSentis, this report highlights a critical gap in the UK removal process—effective communication. Access to proper interpretation is essential to ensure fairness, transparency, and legal compliance, particularly in high-stakes situations such as enforced removals.
Ongoing failures in this area raise concerns about whether individuals fully understand their rights, legal options, and the consequences of removal. This also reinforces the importance of timely legal advice and representation before removal decisions are enforced.
LawSentis is a UK-based immigration firm regulated by the IAA (Level 3), providing expert support in asylum, detention, and complex immigration matters. Contact us today.