News

The government is to be invited to give evidence to an inquiry into the services and facilities at the main processing centre for asylum applications.

The "citizen's inquiry", launched by community organisation South London Citizens, will hear evidence from staff working at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate centre in Croydon, south London, and people using the service

The group had decided to carry out the inquiry following reports of bad experiences from both sides, said group organiser Neil Jameson.

He added that the inquiry would be independent as the group did not take government money, and said that ministers would have to take its findings seriously.

The six-month inquiry will begin on 5 March and will be chaired by the former bishop of Southwark, Bishop Charles Henderson, and human rights lawyer Eleanor Sharpston QC. However, the inquiry has no statutory powers.

The government will be invited to respond at a second hearing in June.

• Interested parties should submit evidence by 28 February. Go to www.southlondoncitizens.org.uk