Committee publication · Correspondence · 28 April 2026

Letter from the Home Secretary relating to the Work of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration 25.03.2026

From: Home Affairs Committee

Summary

The Home Secretary responds to the Home Affairs Committee's enquiry about delays in publishing three Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) reports submitted in 2025. The Home Office states it remains committed to prompt publication but will not release reports until internal assurance processes are complete, and confirms ongoing engagement with the Inspector.

Key findings

  • Three ICIBI inspection reports submitted in 2025 remain under consideration and will be published 'in due course' pending completion of Home Office assurance processes
  • The Home Office acknowledges the importance of prompt ICIBI report publication in line with established conventions
  • The Independent Chief Inspector has met with Junior Ministers multiple times, including the Minister for Migration and Citizenship on 2 March 2026
  • Home Office officials will continue regular meetings with the Inspector as the inspection programme develops, and the Home Secretary expects to meet him personally soon

Tone

Procedural

Topics

borders-and-immigrationgovernment-transparencyparliamentary-accountability

Key actors

Shabana Mahmood MP, Dame Karen Bradley MP, Home Office, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI), Mr Tuckett, Minister for Migration and Citizenship

Notable line

The Department does not publish reports until the necessary assurance processes are complete.

Key Quotes

The Home Office recognises the importance of publishing ICIBI reports promptly and, in line with established conventions, remains committed to doing so wherever possible.
Shabana Mahmood MP · On the Home Office's approach to ICIBI report publication
The Department does not publish reports until the necessary assurance processes are complete.
Shabana Mahmood MP · Explaining the reason for delayed publication of the three reports
I fully recognise the value of a constructive working relationship with the ICIBI.
Shabana Mahmood MP · On engagement with the Independent Chief Inspector
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Source · parliament.uk record ↗