Labour say they would close detention centres

LABOUR has announced plans to close two major detention centres and axe migration targets to stop the Government’s “hostile environment” policy for illegal immigrants.

Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said Labour would shut Yarl’s Wood in Bedford and Brook House near Gatwick Airport, and ban private companies from taking on future contracts to run immigration centres.

Speaking at the IPPR think-tank in London, Ms Abbott said Labour would end indefinite detention.

Labour would also make immigration officials prove people were in the country without permission before they could be removed. Caroline Nokes, the immigration minister, said powers of detention were a “vital tool” against illegal immigration.