News story

Family unit at Yarl's Wood to close

Detention of children at the immigration removal centre to end but the facility will continue to house adults.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The family wing of the Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire is to close.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg informed MPs in the House of Commons that the move was part of the government’s commitment to end child detention for immigration purposes.

The UK Border Agency has confirmed that, although the family unit will close, Yarl’s Wood will remain open for adults.

Welfare of children protected

A Home Office spokesman said: ‘The new government has been clear in its commitment to end the detention of children and this includes those held in the family unit at Yarl’s Wood. We are currently working to find an alternative that protects the welfare of children, without undermining our immigration laws.

‘Yarl’s Wood family unit will be closed, but the centre will continue to function as an immigration removal facility for adults.’

Published 22 July 2010