Statement from No to Hassockfield
Today, we stood outside Derwentside IRC with the truth in our hands, and we made sure it crossed the fence. Following the publication of the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report, we printed lots of copies of the BBC article and made sure it could not be ignored. Copies were flown over the fence and taped to windows. From outside, we could see staff reading, some appearing to see the article for the first time.
We read directly from the HMIP report right outside the entrance.
We read out HMIP’s own words describing what is happening inside this centre:
HMIP found that staff had witnessed colleagues behaving inappropriately towards detainees, with eight members of staff dismissed in the previous year for unprofessional conduct.
HMIP also found that every woman taken to hospital in 2025 had been handcuffed – without adequate justification – due to restrictive Home Office guidance that allowed almost no exceptions. At the previous inspection, no women had been handcuffed to hospital appointments, and there had been no adverse outcomes.
These are not campaign claims. They are the findings of an independent inspectorate.
Today was about visibility and accountability. About refusing to let these findings sit quietly in a report while women continue to be detained behind these walls. About making sure the people working inside could not say they didn’t know.
The report confirms what women with lived experience, campaigners and communities have been saying for years: this system causes harm, ignores vulnerability and detains women who should never be here at all.
We will keep showing up.
We will keep speaking the truth out loud.
We will keep demanding change.
Derwentside is not fit for purpose. Proven community-based alternatives exist. This place does not need to exist, and it must close.
Thank you to everyone who came, stood, read, listened and acted in solidarity today. The fight continues.
The above article is a statement from No to Hassockfield,
