An inquiry into the Manston asylum processing centre in Kent is underway, potentially requiring testimonies from former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, as revealed in a leaked internal government memo.

The inquiry, which aims to investigate unlawful conditions at the centre, has been prompted by serious allegations including a death in custody and unlawful detention practices.

The case of Hussein Haseeb Ahmed, a 31-year-old migrant who died from diphtheria while detained at Manston, underscores the critical issues surrounding the facility's conditions.

Opened in February 2022 for short-term processing, the Manston centre became overwhelmed by the summer, housing around 4,000 individuals despite a capacity of only 1,600, leading to poor living conditions.

Detainees faced dire conditions, including sleeping on damp floors without adequate bedding and lacking access to clean clothing, which contributed to health outbreaks.

Key issues to be examined in the inquiry include the death of Ahmed, unlawful detention practices, and the use of hotels as unregulated homes for unaccompanied children.

The independent inquiry, chaired by Sophie Cartwright KC, commenced in March 2025 and will assess the treatment of asylum seekers at Manston from June to November 2022.

Potential public hearings are anticipated as part of the inquiry, which aims to address violations of the European Convention of Human Rights and failures to safeguard children.

Charlotte Khan from Care4Calais has emphasized the need for accountability for those in power regarding the severe allegations surrounding the conditions at Manston.

Concerns have been raised by various organizations, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury, regarding human rights violations and unsafe living conditions for detainees.

The Home Office has stated it is fully supporting the inquiry but has refrained from further comments while the investigation is ongoing.

Initially initiated by former Home Secretary James Cleverly, the inquiry was later scaled back by Yvette Cooper, limiting its ability to compel evidence from key officials.