The BBC documentary ‘Detention undercover – the real
story’ exposes the appalling degradation and racism experienced by asylum
seekers at Oakington reception centre. The documentary adds to the long catalogue
of abuse already highlighted by many agencies and must serve as a trigger
for urgent action by the government.
The tone of the public ‘debate’ over recent years, that has served
to vilify and stigmatise people seeking asylum, provides the grim background
for their treatment in centres such as Oakington. This must be recognised
if we are to stem the rise of racism in society and within our immigration
and asylum system.
Detention should only be used as a last resort and international guidelines
observed meticulously. We oppose the detention of children. We call for a
thorough investigation of practices in all detention centres across Britain
and for criminal charges against those who are found to have broken the law.
The culture of racism that clearly exists in our asylum system must be further
exposed and eliminated.
Signed by
Diane Abbott MP
Lee Jasper National Asembly Against Racism
Rev Arlington Trotman Churches Commission for Racial Justice