Bedford’s MP Mohammed Yasin has said he is concerned that the former immigration removal centre at Yarl’s Wood is to be expanded to house up to 200 men waiting the outcome of asylum claims.
The immigration compliance minister Chris Philp confirmed in the House of Commons that pre-fab accommodation is being built on the privately-run site, where there was a massive fire in 2002.
Mr Yasin said: “I am very concerned that the Home Office is using completely inappropriate accommodation to house asylum seekers who may be suffering severe trauma in environments that appear punitive and hostile.
“I am concerned about the conditions asylum seekers will be held in and their access to legal and health services in such a remote location. Though I’m told the residents are free to come and go as they please, this is far from the case.”
The minister said: “It is not a hostile environment, the accommodation meets the required standards.”
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