On 12 February 2025 the Minister of State Dame Angela Eagle MP announced the Government’s decision to establish a non-statutory inquiry and published its terms of reference. The Manston Inquiry (‘the Inquiry’) commenced its work on 17 March 2025. The Inquiry will investigate and report on the decisions, actions and circumstances which led to the conditions encountered by those detained at the Manston Short-Term Holding Facility between 1 June 2022 and 22 November 2022. A final report will set out findings of fact and make any necessary recommendations to the Home Secretary.
Update
The Inquiry has today (15/12/25) 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 Cartright 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 14:00.
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 media-MII@manston.independent-inquiry.uk
- 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.
Previous updates
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.