Local MP Alex Cunningham has welcomed today’s announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister that the detention of the children of failed asylum seekers will end by next May.
Reacting to this morning’s statement, Alex said:
“I am disappointed that this statement was not made to the House of Commons. Many MPs take a serious interest in this matter and I think we should have been given the opportunity to question the Deputy Prime Minister about this announcement. This was particularly important as the government has broken its promise to end detention by Christmas and he should have been in the Commons to account for that.
It seems the Deputy Prime Minister has chickened out and chosen not to face his Parliamentary colleagues.
It is however good news that no children are being held in detention this Christmas, letting the Immigration Minister off the hook, as he promised to dress up as Father Christmas and deliver presents to any children being held.
Whilst I welcome today’s news, I am disappointed the detention of children is not being stopped straight away.”
