Copy correspondence between Mr Bob Ringham & UK OPCAT

Summary

The requester sought correspondence regarding OPCAT protocols and the use of the Comis Hotel as a quarantine facility involving Mr Bob Ringham and Isle of Man officials. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information but directed the requester to an independent review by Kate Brunner, KC.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold the requested correspondence.
• The request covered the period between February 2020 and December 2021.
• The Comis Hotel was used as a quarantine/detention facility between March and June 2020.
• The Independent Review into the Covid Pandemic by Kate Brunner, KC, covered the role of the National Preventative Mechanism.
• The case was closed on 6 May 2025.

Data Disclosed

• 4584557
• 2025-04-15
• 2025-05-06
• Feb 2021
• Dec 2021
• March 2020
• June 2020
• Feb 2020
• April 2020
• IM1 3PN
• 01624 686244

Original Request

1) I would like to request copies of all correspondence between Mr Bob Ringham, Chair of the NPM (during Covid) and the UK OPCAT Board between Feb 2021 and December 2021. Rob was requesting advice re IOMG not informing the NPM that the Comis Hotel was being used as a quarantine/detention facility between March & June 2020 and asking if more human rights had been violated, than they had already adjudicated on, please. 2) I would like to request a copy of any correspondence between Mr Bob Ringham and/or Mr Will Greenhow and/or The Attorney General of the IOM with the Independent UK lawyers that were asked to give advice on the use and validity of OPCAT Protocols on the Isle of Man between February 2020 and December 2021, please. 3) Please list which Isle of Man Lawyers/Advocates/ Chambers did the IOMG/Attorney General and or Mr Will Greenhow write to/approach/correspond with for advice about OPCAT Protocols and asking should they have and/or apply to the IOM during the use of The Comis Hotel being used as a quarantine/detention facility (April to June 2020) so any correspondence between February 2020 and December 2021, please. I appreciate this may take a little time and thank you in anticipation of your help in this matter.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244
Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 4584557 06 May 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 15 April 2025, which states:

"1) I would like to request copies of all correspondence between Mr Bob Ringham, Chair of the NPM (during Covid) and the UK OPCAT Board between Feb 2021 and December 2021. Rob was requesting advice re IOMG not informing the NPM that the Comis Hotel was being used as a quarantine/detention facility between March & June 2020 and asking if more human rights had been violated, than they had already adjudicated on, please.

2) I would like to request a copy of any correspondence between Mr Bob Ringham and/or Mr Will Greenhow and/or The Attorney General of the IOM with the Independent UK lawyers that were asked to give advice on the use and validity of OPCAT Protocols on the Isle of Man between February 2020 and December 2021, please.

3) Please list which Isle of Man Lawyers/Advocates/ Chambers did the IOMG/Attorney General and or Mr Will Greenhow write to/approach/correspond with for advice about OPCAT Protocols and asking should they have and/or apply to the IOM during the use of The Comis Hotel being used as a quarantine/detention facility (April to June 2020) so any correspondence between February 2020 and December 2021, please.

I appreciate this may take a little time and thank you in anticipation of your help in this matter."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet Office does not hold the information that you have requested.

For advice and assistance, the use of the Comis hotel during the Covid-19 Pandemic and the role of the National Preventative Mechanism was covered extensively by the Independent Review into the Covid Pandemic undertaken by Kate Brunner, KC. Information can be found here: https://covidreview.im/wp- content/uploads/2024/02/5-Topics-01.02.2024.pdf and here: https://covidreview.im/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5.02-Appendix-Evidence- Repatriation-at-the-Comis-Hotel.pdf

Please quote the reference number 4584557 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.
I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely