Thomas Munns Discusses Deplorable Conditions for Migrants at Manston House with ITV (9 September 2024)

Duncan Lewis caseworker Thomas Munns recently spoke to ITV regarding the dire conditions faced by migrants housed at Manston House in 2022.

A former military base in Kent used as a short-term holding facility for people entering the UK by small boats across the English Channel between September and November of that year. It became overcrowded and was closed down in 2022 following legal action led by Duncan Lewis.

In the ITV segment, one of the 96 claimants, known as ‘Ahmed,’ shared his harrowing experience at the site. He described the lack of basic necessities, stating, "They just put a tent, and they put you inside without any preparation... It was very disgusting, very humiliating, very bad and hopeless." Ahmed also recounted the freezing conditions, recalling how they were given no blankets and were left to sleep on the cold floor.

Thomas, who has been closely involved with the case told ITV, "it's sometimes hard to find words [to describe the conditions at Manston], having read some of the witness statements and the accounts that have been given by clients.

When asked about the potentially negative public perception of the case, he responded, "I would hope that people will be concerned about how the government uses the power that it's given to it.

"I think if they were to take a second to think about what the government put these people through, they might be a bit more sympathetic towards those individuals and any compensation that they may or may not receive."

Manston House, which was designed to accommodate 1,600 people, became dangerously overcrowded, with over 4,000 individuals crammed into the facility. This led to outbreaks of scabies, gastroenteritis, and even a death from diphtheria.

The High Court has granted anonymity to all 96 claimants, including Ahmed, who allege that they were subjected to overcrowded, unhygienic, and unsafe conditions that amount to inhumane and degrading treatment. The court case remains ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for October 2024.

The full article can be read here: Migrant speaks anonymously of ‘disgusting and humiliating’ conditions at Manston House - ITV

About the Author

Thomas Munns is a Caseworker in the Public Law department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, having joined the firm in June 2022. He works under the supervision of Director Toufique Hossain and Solicitor Shalini Patel.

For advice or assistance on a Public Law matter, contact Thomas via email at ThomasMu@duncanlewis.com, or by telephone at 02031141226.

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors:

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a renowned law firm recognised for its comprehensive legal services and commitment to justice. The firm is listed in the Times Top 250 law firms and has a formidable reputation across numerous fields of law where it is ranked Top Tier in both the prestigious legal guides, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Duncan Lewis was this year crowned Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis awards 2024, following on from the previous year where it won in the same category at the Modern Law Awards 2023.

Our immigration and public law team is particularly noted for its successes in handling complex cases involving human rights, asylum seekers, and vulnerable individuals, including Brook House, the Rwanda Challenge and Manston House. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation to ensure that our clients' rights are upheld and protected.