14 January 2021
The Independent, 13 January 2021.
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"The Home Office is facing legal action over plans to build a “prison-like” camp next to an immigration removal centre to hold asylum seekers while their claims are being heard.
Ministers are planning to expand the capacity of Yarl’s Wood, in Bedfordshire, by erecting pre-fab style accommodation that will house up to 200 individuals.
A local resident has sent letters before action to both the Home Office and Bedford Borough Council, and intends to take the case to court should there be no satisfactory response.
Lawyers believe that the government cut corners by failing to obtain planning permission or carry out the necessary impact assessments in its rush to set up the new facility.
(...)
Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, said the plans were inhuman and called on ministers to urgently rethink the decision and start acting with compassion and common sense.
“People should be housed in safe and clean homes in community settings while they wait for a decision on their asylum claim,” he said."
Source: Home Office facing legal action over plans for ‘prison-style’ camp for asylum seekers at Yarl’s Wood (The Independent, link)
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