G4S: immigration security firm fired

The private security company G4S at the centre of controversy surrounding the tragic death of Angolan Asylum seeker Jimmy Mubenga will not have their contract renewed.

In a spectacular turn of fortunes for the private security firm the Government informed them today their services after their contract ends in May will no longer be required.

There has been some considerably confusion over the last week, because the Government had suspended deportations and then begun them almost immediately in the wake of the tragic death of Mubenga.

A new private company will take over: Reliance Security Task Management Ltd who have been working already in a number of UK Prisons.

David Wood strategic director for the criminality and detention group said:

"We can confirm that Reliance Security Task Management Limited has won the tender to provide escort services both in-country and overseas on behalf of the UK Border Agency."

Many people, not least Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, will want to have cast iron assurances that this company undertake deportations in a very different way to G4S.

Simon Woolley