DETENTION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS

Early day motion 253, tabled 15 July 1997 by Roseanna Cunningham (Scottish National Party). Signed by 190 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to review the procedures under which asylum seekers are detained; notes the view of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that 'as a general rule, asylum seekers should not be detained' and that, in so far as such detention occurs, 'it should be proportional to the ends to be achieved and for a minimal period'; is gravely concerned that decisions to detain asylum seekers are not subject to automatic and independent review, with a presumption in favour of liberty as provided for in criminal cases under the Bail Act 1976; believes that asylum seekers who are detained should be informed in writing of the reasons for their detention; further believes that, in so far as detention occurs, asylum seekers should not be held in prisons unless charged with criminal offences; and calls on the Government to ensure that future practice meets these concerns and conforms with the fundamental principles of refugee protection and relevant international standards.

Signatures by party: Labour 124, Liberal Democrat 44, Labour/Co-operative 11, Conservative 4, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 3.