Gavin Newlands MP calls for wider public to be included in detention review
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has reiterated calls for the UK Government to conduct its review of the immigration detention needs in Scotland in an open and transparent manner which engages widely with the public, academics, civil society and those with directed experienced of being detained.
Mr Newlands – who was speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on the UK Government’s immigration detention policy – criticised the ‘inhumane, ineffective and expensive’ approach towards immigration detention.
A follow-up review to Stephen Shaw’s study into detention is due to be conducted later this year.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“The UK Government’s abhorrent approach towards immigration detention is a blight on our country’s reputation both at home and abroad. We are the only country in Europe which still allows vulnerable people to be detained for an indefinite period of time and shamefully still allows pregnant women and children to be detained in these prison-like environments.
“Scotland has long opposed the UK Government’s approach to immigration detention, which is not only inhumane but ineffective and hugely expensive. It was clear that Renfrewshire rejected the UK Government’s approach to immigration and that’s why we rejected any proposal to build a detention centre near Glasgow Airport.
“The UK Government should use the planned review into detention to abandon its failed and inhumane approach towards immigration detention. This review has to be open, transparent and consult widely, including those who have direct experience of being detained under the UK’s shameful immigration detention policy. This review has to also take note of the strong opposition that exists in Scotland towards the UK Government’s inhumane, ineffective and expensive approach towards detention.”
