Lib Dem calls for re-think over unit closure

THE UK Government has been urged to reverse its “inhumane” decision to close a dedicated immigration family unit and give reassurances that the child detention facility at Dungavel near Glasgow will not be reopened.

The call to Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has been made by Alistair Carmichael, the former Scottish secretary and home affairs spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, who described the Government’s decision to close the Barnado’s-run Cedars Unit near Gatwick Airport as a “huge step backwards”.

The SNP also expressed alarm at the move, which it denounced as “disgraceful”.

Earlier this week, on the last day of sitting before the Commons went into its summer recess, Robert Goodwill, the Home Office minister, announced the closure of the Cedars Unit and its replacement by a new “pre-departure accommodation unit” near Gatwick Airport at the Tinsley House immigration removal centre.

Mr Carmichael pointed out how one of the first things his party did during the coalition government was to force Theresa May, the then home secretary, to end the detention of immigrant children. “Days after coming to power, she has thrown away years of progress,” he declared.

The Orkney and Shetland MP went on: “What this decision means in practice is a return to a situation where young children will find themselves in detention centres surrounded by razor wire and guards. This is a huge step backwards.”

SNP MSP Sandra White said: “I urge the UK Government to reconsider its policy, to end child detention and to start treating people of all ages with the dignity and respect that they deserve.”