As part of its inquiry into quasi-detention, the APPG held three oral evidence sessions in July 2021 with key witnesses, including current and former residents at Napier Barracks and Penally Camp, and doctors, lawyers and NGOs working directly with residents.
More information including written transcripts and recordings of the sessions can be accessed below.
In September 2021 the APPG also published an interim report summarising the key issues and concerns raised during the oral evidence sessions.
Session 1: Legal and health issues – 1 July 2021
Part One: Legal Issues
Witnesses:
- Clare Jennings – Director and Head of Public Law and Community Care, Mathew Gold & Co. Solicitors
- Sonia Lenegan – Legal Director, Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association
- Shu Shin Luh – Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers
- Sue Willman – Solicitor / Consultant, Deighton Pierce Glynn Law
Download written transcript of Oral evidence session 1: Part One – Legal Issues
View recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51vUJwYzRqM
Part Two: Health Issues
Witnesses:
- Dr Yusuf Cifti – Policy and Advocacy Manager, Doctors of the World
- Dr Juliet Cohen – Head of Doctors, Freedom from Torture
- Dr Jill O’Leary – GP / Head of Medical Advisory Service, Helen Bamber Foundation
- Dr Piyal Sen – Member, Working Group on the Mental Health of Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Download written transcript of Oral evidence session 1: Part Two – Health Issues
View recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0LTSu6aqpE
Session 2: Current and former residents at Napier Barracks and Penally Camp – 5 July 2021
Please note: in some cases, witnesses’ names have been changed and/or their surname removed to protect their identity.
Part One – Former residents at Napier Barracks and Penally Camp
- Erfan – former resident at Napier Barracks
- Kenan – former resident at Penally Camp
- Milad – former resident at Napier Barracks
Part Two – Currents residents at Napier Barracks
Witnesses:
- “Victor” – former resident at Napier Barracks
- “Edward” – current resident at Napier Barracks
- “Alexander”– current resident at Napier Barracks
- “Oscar” – current resident at Napier Barracks
- “Andreas” – current resident at Napier Barracks
- “Richard” – former resident at Napier Barracks
- Naomi Blackwell – Detention Outreach Manager, Jesuit Refugee Service UK
- Maddie Harris – Director and Founder, Humans for Rights Network
Session 3: Organisations supporting residents at Napier Barracks – 12 July 2021
Witnesses:
- Dr Sophie Cartwright – Senior Policy Officer, Jesuit Refugee Service UK
- Maddie Harris – Director and Founder, Humans for Rights Network