After that time we were taken off the plane, held for 4 hours in a secure area, full of armed police, refused access to food, drink and only limited access to toilets etc.
Isn't the key word here
'refused'?
Even if the carrier had provided food/water, would the police have allowed it to be brought into the detention area?
If not, the debate about who is responsible for providing refreshments is a complete red herring.