In response to the Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency’s report into the Detained Fast Track published today (23rd February), Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, said:

“We welcome John Vine’s timely report which highlights the serious risks the Detained Fast Track poses to vulnerable people seeking safety here.

“It is unacceptable that victims of torture or trafficking are being allocated to the DFT because of a hurried and completely unsuitable screening process.

“The fact that most cases processed in the DFT are refused is not something to be celebrated. The nature of the process means people have very little time to disclose all the information necessary to support their claim, and limited time with a legal representative, so it is no wonder so many people are refused.

“Instead of focusing on meeting set time scales and celebrating high removal rates, we urge the government to review whether the DFT can really be part of a fair, effective asylum system. In the meantime, they must stop detaining people in the fast-track process unless they can guarantee no victims of trafficking or torture will be part of this.”

ENDS