More removal centres announced
The new centres will increase capacity by 60 per cent
Monday, 19, May 2008 12:00
The UK Border Agency has announced a massive increase in the number of immigrant removal centres.
"Even though asylum claims are at a 14-year low, we are removing more failed asylum seekers each year," said Liam Byrne, immigration minister.
"That means we need more detention space."
But plans to station the two extra centres in Bicester in Oxfordshire and Yarls Wood in Bedfordshire have worried government officials enough for them to send Mr Byrne to the area so he can listen to local residents' concerns.
"Although stronger border security demands these controls, I know local communities will have concerns. My commitment is to listen to these personally," Mr Byrne said.
The new centres will expand the UK's removal capacity by 60 per cent with spaces for an extra 1,300 to 1,500 people.