03 June 2026
INQUIRY UPDATE: THE RT. HON MR ROBERT JENRICK MP
The Manston Inquiry was set up to examine the events surrounding the detention at Manston of thousands of people who entered the United Kingdom by small boat between 1 June 2022 and 22 November 2022 (the relevant period). The Inquiry is independent. It is charged with investigating and addressing those matters set out in its Terms of Reference.
The issues the Inquiry is investigating include the policy decisions Ministers made about Manston during the relevant period and what actions they took to mitigate the conditions that pertained at the site. The Inquiry is also investigating how and in what circumstances a person detained at Manston (Mr Hussein Haseeb Ahmed) died during the period of his detention on 19 November 2022 from complications arising out of diphtheria. These issues raise questions for former government Ministers including the Rt. Hon Mr Jenrick MP (‘Mr Jenrick’) who was the Minister for Immigration at the Home Office between 25 October 2022 and 6 December 2023.
To that end, the Inquiry first wrote to Mr Jenrick on 17 October 2025, via his Recognised Legal Representative, seeking a draft statement. Since that date the Inquiry Legal Team has agreed a number of extensions to the time limit for providing a statement. On 27 April 2026 the Inquiry wrote to Mr Jenrick’s legal representatives to confirm that the most recent deadline had passed and to seek clarification as to whether and when a statement would be provided. As at the date of this update, the Inquiry has not received a statement nor any update.
The Manston Inquiry is a non-statutory inquiry and thus the Chair lacks the power to compel people to provide witness statements. The importance of voluntary cooperation with non-statutory inquiries is well understood and also that those with relevant information and evidence are expected to cooperate. This includes by providing witness statements and oral evidence.
The Inquiry understands the pressures of time that Members of Parliament are subject to, and it was for that reason that it was willing to provide Mr Jenrick with the time he needed. However, many months have passed without any certainty as to whether or when he will provide a statement. The Inquiry continues to seek his assistance in investigating those matters within its Terms of Reference and would welcome his contribution to the Inquiry’s work.
06 February 2026
The Manston Inquiry held its first preliminary hearing on 15 January 2026. You can find the Chairs Ruling following the preliminary hearing, along with the Inquiry’s List of Issues, using the buttons below.
15 December 2025
The Inquiry has today published a list of individuals who have been designated as Inquiry Participants. A number of applicants have been granted a short extension to submit their applications, and further designations will be announced in due course.
The Chair of the Inquiry, Sophie Cartwright KC, has notified Inquiry Participants and their legal representatives that the first Preliminary Hearing will take place at Dorland House, Paddington, on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at 14:30.
This Preliminary Hearing will provide an update on the Inquiry’s progress to date and address matters relating to outstanding disclosure and witness statements. The Chair will be assisted in conducting the hearing by Lead Counsel to the Inquiry, Clair Dobbin KC.
The hearing will be open to members of the public and media who wish to attend.
WHAT: Preliminary Hearing of the Manston Inquiry
WHEN: 14:00 – 16:00, Thursday 15 January 2026
WHERE: Dorland House, 13 Bishop’s Bridge Road, London W2 6BU
Information for attendees:
- Public attendees can register their intention to attend the hearing by emailing info@manston.independent-inquiry.uk.
- Media attendees should register their attendance by emailing manstoninquiry@four.agency.
- The hearings are being filmed by RTS Communications static cameras. A livestream with a three-minute delay is available on our YouTube channel. No other broadcast or stills cameras will be allowed in the hearings room.
- Media are requested not to film or approach anyone without permission and not to film people arriving at or leaving the venue.
07 November 2025
On 7 November 2025 the Home Office approved the Inquiry’s Phase One Costs Protocol and granted permission for the Inquiry to hold public hearings.
The Inquiry has now published the Inquiry Participant Protocol and has opened the application process for Inquiry Participant status. Those eligible to apply are encouraged to do so as soon as possible and should do so by 8 December 2025 using the form below.
Further updates from the Inquiry will be published shortly.