Torture survivors unprotected by UK one-in, one-out scheme

Published: 19 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The Home Office’s “one in, one out” scheme has failed to protect survivors of torture and trafficking, a recent report by charity Medical Justice reveals. The focus keyword, torture survivors, appears throughout the findings, highlighting the urgent need for reform. The charity surveyed 33 people detained while awaiting return to France and found widespread evidence that clinical safeguards are inadequate for this vulnerable group. Many detainees, already traumatised, experienced physical and psychological harm during detention, with some describing it as the moment when hope was entirely lost.

Medical Justice’s report, the first to assess the welfare of detainees affected by the “one in, one out” scheme, warns that it is failing to meet the needs of torture survivors. Among the 33 surveyed, 18 showed clinical evidence of torture or trafficking. The charity urges the scheme to be scrapped, advocating instead for the processing of asylum claims for small boat arrivals directly in the UK. Since August 2025, over 200 individuals arriving by small boats have been returned to France, while a similar number were legally brought into the UK from France.

“Clinical safeguards in detention are failing to protect these people,” the report states. The charity highlights that Home Office detention centres often ignore identified vulnerabilities, rendering the protection system almost meaningless. Medical Justice stresses that for many detainees, the trauma of detention eclipsed past experiences, creating a severe mental health crisis. The report warns that this situation is clinically dangerous, as survivors of torture are at heightened risk of suicide and mental deterioration.

Detainees recounted experiences of extreme violence, intimidation, and threats from traffickers, smugglers, and even law enforcement. Several reported being filmed or photographed by traffickers, who threatened to track and harm them upon return to France. Such experiences have amplified fear and trauma, raising questions about the UK’s ability to safely uphold its asylum and human rights obligations.

One detainee, documented with clinical evidence of prior torture, described a removal attempt to France where excessive force was used. He recounted struggling to breathe while being restrained and feared for his life, saying, “I can’t breathe… Oh, my God.” After returning to detention, clinicians recorded both physical injuries and psychological harm, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by survivors.

Medical Justice’s spokesperson emphasised that the unique combination of high vulnerability among detainees, frequent exposure to torture and trafficking, and systemic failure in clinical safeguards has created a dangerous environment. They warned that government insistence on removals appears to disregard both legal and ethical obligations to protect torture survivors. The charity called for immediate action to end this policy, advocating for asylum processing within the UK to prevent further harm.

The Home Office defended the scheme, asserting that protecting the UK border remains a top priority. A spokesperson stated, “Our landmark one-in, one-out scheme allows individuals arriving on small boats to be returned to France, a safe country where protection claims are considered. We remain committed to ensuring detention and removal are carried out with dignity, with the welfare of those detained a central concern.” Despite these assurances, evidence from Medical Justice indicates that current safeguards fail to meet the clinical and psychological needs of torture survivors, leaving many at severe risk.

The report also highlights the psychological consequences of repeated detention, particularly for those with histories of trauma. Detainees described a pervasive loss of control and fear of physical harm, exacerbated by the lack of effective clinical oversight. Medical Justice warns that detention without adequate protection not only deepens trauma but may violate international human rights obligations, prompting calls for systemic reform.

The charity stresses that the “one in, one out” scheme is disproportionately affecting those most in need of protection. By focusing solely on border control, the government risks ignoring the pressing humanitarian and legal responsibilities owed to torture survivors. Experts argue that a shift to processing asylum claims domestically could prevent retraumatization and offer survivors a chance to rebuild their lives safely in the UK.

Torture survivors detained under this scheme are more likely to experience high levels of suicidality, chronic psychological distress, and inadequate care. Medical Justice’s report highlights multiple cases where detainees were subjected to unnecessary force, prolonged isolation, and exposure to threats from traffickers. The charity recommends comprehensive screening, improved clinical oversight, and removal of the policy altogether, ensuring the UK complies with international human rights standards.

The evidence paints a stark picture of the current detention system, where clinical safeguards frequently fail, and vulnerable individuals face repeated trauma. Torture survivors require protection, care, and legal processing that acknowledges their experiences rather than exacerbating them. Medical Justice continues to call for immediate reforms, urging policymakers to abandon the “one in, one out” scheme and safeguard the rights of those who have already suffered extreme abuse.

As public scrutiny intensifies, the government faces increasing pressure to revise its approach to small boat arrivals and detention. Advocates argue that the welfare of torture survivors must take precedence over rigid border enforcement policies, and urgent reforms are needed to prevent further harm. Medical Justice’s findings underline the human cost of current procedures and provide a compelling case for immediate legislative and operational change.

Failure to protect torture survivors in detention centres not only raises ethical concerns but also threatens the UK’s international obligations. Experts warn that continued implementation of the “one in, one out” scheme could have long-term consequences for the mental health and wellbeing of asylum seekers. The report concludes that domestic processing of asylum claims for small boat arrivals is critical to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and fulfilling the UK’s humanitarian responsibilities.

The plight of torture survivors detained under the “one in, one out” scheme highlights the urgent need for systemic reform. Medical Justice’s evidence provides a stark warning that current policies are failing those most at risk, prompting calls for immediate policy change and better protection mechanisms. The focus remains clear: ensure that torture survivors are treated with dignity, care, and the legal protection they are entitled to.

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