Probe launched over racist broadcast at Kent asylum centre

AUTHORITIES have launched an investigation following reports that a racist message was broadcast over portable radios at an asylum processing centre in Kent.

The incident occurred at the Manston site, where small boat arrivals are processed by the Home Office and its contractor, Mitie, reported The Guardian.

According to sources, a highly offensive message was transmitted over the radios, using racist language to tell asylum seekers to leave. The message, which has been widely condemned, was reportedly heard by staff on site. However, due to the nature of the current radio system, identifying the person responsible has proven difficult.

A staff member at Manston recalled hearing the message in the afternoon, saying that such an incident had never happened before on their communication system. In response, the Home Office has fast-tracked an upgrade to the contractor’s radios, ensuring that future messages will be traceable.

It remains unclear how many asylum seekers overheard the offensive broadcast. Many arriving at Manston have endured traumatic journeys, with some suffering from injuries such as burns and hypothermia. Others have survived torture or trafficking, particularly those from conflict-affected regions like Sudan and Eritrea.

The Home Office has strongly condemned the incident. A spokesperson said, “We expect Mitie to investigate this matter thoroughly.”

Mitie, which provides security and services at the centre, also denounced the language, promising a swift inquiry. The company confirmed that a more secure radio system has been agreed upon with the Home Office to prevent similar occurrences.

A Mitie spokesperson said, “This language is unacceptable and we expect the highest standards from anyone working on site. As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, we took immediate steps to investigate. A new closed-net radio system has been agreed with the Home Office.”

Manston has faced previous criticism over its conditions. Watchdog organisations, including HM Inspectorate of Prisons and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, have raised concerns about overcrowding and poor treatment. In 2022, the facility was severely overcrowded, leading to disease outbreaks and allegations of mistreatment.

This is not the first time Mitie has faced accusations of racism. In 2021, an employment tribunal highlighted concerns about the use of racist language among staff, though a claim of race discrimination was dismissed. In 2022, Mitie admitted that it had previously failed to escalate complaints about racist remarks in a staff WhatsApp group.

Charity groups have condemned the latest incident, calling for urgent reform. Louise Calvey, director of Asylum Matters, described the situation as “horrifying” and urged the government to ensure dignity and respect for asylum seekers. Maddie Harris, from Humans for Rights Network, stressed the need to protect those seeking safety in the UK from further harm.