Migration Bishop welcomes the Government’s announcement
Bishop Patrick Lynch, Chairman of the Office for Migration Policy of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the Government’s announcement aimed at ending the detention of children and their families in the immigration system.
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“I welcome the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s announcement on Ending the Detention of Children for Immigration Purposes. I am encouraged by the Coalition Government’s commitment to end this shameful practice.
“I also welcome the announcement that the Family Unit in Yarl’s Wood will be closed with immediate effect, fulfilling the Government‘s promise that there will be no children in detention this Christmas as well as the commitment to the closure of Tinsley House immigration removal centre by 11 May 2011.
“The creation of the Independent Family Returns Panel of experts is a positive development; however, the composition of that panel remains a deep concern.
“The Government’s plan to overhaul the asylum system with improvements in quality decision making and early access to legal advice is to be welcomed.
“I remain deeply concerned about any policies that will force the return of families to countries (such as Iraq and Zimbabwe) where the Church, voluntary agencies and human rights organisations report a resurgence in religious or politically motivated violence.”
Bishop Patrick Lynch
Chair, Office for Migration Policy
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
