Lib Dem influence sees beginning of the end of child detention

Last week saw Nick Clegg stand in for the PM at Prime Minister’s Question Time – the first Liberal to answer questions at PMQs since Lloyd George in 1922.

In it he was able to announce the closure of the family unit of Yarl’s Wood immigration centre as part of the coalition government’s pledge to end child detention. Something Liberal Democrats across the country have been campaigning on for many years – another coalition success.

“I am proud that my party will work to end the gross unfairness of child detention,” said Witney Liberal Democrat spokesperson, Dawn Barnes. “The detention of families and children was raised at the Witney hustings before the election by an independent candidate, Aaron Barschak, and I am pleased to see that progress is being made in treating people with the compassion they deserve.

“People come to this country fleeing circumstances that the majority of us, fortunately, can only imagine. Splitting up families and keeping women and children in the equivalent of prisons is unacceptable. Mr Barschak worked to raise awareness of Campsfield House and I hope that the announcement of the closure of the family unit at Yarl’s Wood shows the commitment of the Liberal Democrats to address the shocking treatment of those who arrive in the UK to seek sanctuary.”

Commenting on Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg’s statement that the child detention facility at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, where children are detained awaiting deportation, will be closed, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Justice, Tom Brake said: “The ending of child detention at Yarl’s Wood is a victory for British decency. Locking up innocent children for months on end can lead to serious physical and psychological harm. It is a disgrace the Labour Government allowed this to take place in 21st century Britain.

“The Liberal Democrats have had a huge influence in Government and this announcement is a sign of that. I am proud to be in a party which will end the cruelty of child detention.”