Commenting on Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg’s statement that 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 closure of Yarl’s Wood detention centre 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 the closure of Yarl’s Wood is a sign of that. I am proud to be in a party which will end the cruelty of child detention.”