Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Protests break out inside ‘catastrophically overcrowded’ asylum processing centre
Around 60 men detained at the centre in Manston, Kent, stage peaceful sit-in protest over the conditions
Part of the Manston immigration short-term holding facility located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent

PROTESTS have broken out inside an asylum processing centre at Manston where conditions have been described as “catastrophically overcrowded,” unsafe and understaffed.

The Morning Star understands that around 60 men detained at the site in Kent staged a peaceful sit-in outside on Thursday afternoon against being held at the former RAF base for weeks in dire conditions.

Individuals who refused to move some hours later were subjected to use of force by Border Force officials and private security staff, according to the POA union, which represents some staff working at Manston.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
AS OLD AS THE HILLS: The anti-Chinese wall: The American wall goes up as the Chinese original goes down, a 1882 cartoon by Friedrich Gratz published in Puck / Public domain
Opinion / 6 August 2026
6 August 2026

ROY WILKES takes issue with those on the left who argue immigration lowers wages — dividing resident and migrant workers only strengthens capitalist exploitation

A general view of HMP Pentonville, north London, August 2018
Prisons Crisis / 5 November 2025
5 November 2025
Justice System / 29 October 2025
29 October 2025