Yarl’s Wood closure a sign of Lib Dem influence in Government, says Brake

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Jul 2010

Commenting on Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg’s statement that the child detention facility at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, where children are detained awaiting deportation, will be closed, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Justice, Tom Brake said:

“The ending of child detention at Yarl’s Wood is a victory for British decency.

“Locking up innocent children for months on end can lead to serious physical and psychological harm. It is a disgrace the Labour Government allowed this to take place in 21st century Britain.

“The Liberal Democrats have had a huge influence in Government and this announcement is a sign of that. I am proud to be in a party which will end the cruelty of child detention.”