CHILDREN IN IMMIGRATION REMOVAL CENTRES

Early day motion 811, tabled 5 February 2010 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 33 members.

That this House notes the £100,000 settlement paid by the Home Office to Carmen Quiroga and her children for their false imprisonment in Oakington Detention Centre for 42 days; is concerned about the increasing length of time families are detained for, with some being detained for over 120 days; is further concerned over the psychological damage that may occur in children following any period of detention; notes that Oakington was initially meant to be used as a short-term measure and closed in 2006, yet has been in operation for 10 years; recognises Chief Prison Inspector Anne Owers' report on detention centres condemning the use of child imprisonment; and urges the Government to extend the provisions of the relevant children's legislation to include children in detention.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 7, Independent 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.