Mitie Sues UK Home Office Over Migrant Processing Sites Contract Award

Mitie Care and Custody, a subsidiary of Mitie Group, has filed a lawsuit against the UK Home Office in the High Court. The legal action concerns a contract to manage two sites in Kent used for processing migrants arriving by small boats: Western Jet Foil in Dover and the Manston processing centre. These sites handle arrivals from Channel crossings.

6 million, covers catering, transport, and security services for the sites over six years. 3 million before VAT. 7 million, addresses healthcare services.

documents state that the Home Office failed to prevent, identify, and remedy conflicts of interest in awarding the contract to MTC Definitive.

The alleged conflict involves Dave Butler, MTC's head of development, who previously served as deputy director at Manston. 6 million lot in September and was informed of its unsuccessful outcome in January. Mitie raised concerns with the Home Office, which the company claims were not addressed.

The lawsuit alleges that the Home Office made errors, including failing to provide sufficient reasons for the award and that MTC's bid did not meet minimum staffing requirements. Mitie seeks to have the decision set aside, the contract awarded to Mitie, the tendering process rerun, or damages paid by the government.

its defense filed last month, the Home Office described the claim as baseless and without merit, denying any conflict of interest.

Azeem Suterwalla KC, representing the Home Office, noted that Butler had access to sensitive information during his time at Manston but was not involved in procurement strategy decisions. Butler was subject to a 12-month restriction upon leaving Manston to prevent any improper advantage from his prior access to government policy or sensitive information.

Suterwalla stated that there was no serious risk of a conflict of interest.