Yarl’s Wood women call on Gordon Brown to let them stay in UK

June 8, 2007 in Asylum and refugees

Over one hundred women detained at Yarl’s Wood immigration detention centre have written to prime minister elect Gordon Brown appealing for him to allow them to remain in the UK.

The 121 women, who are asylum seekers or immigrants who have stayed longer than permitted, allege that they have been unfairly treated by the immigration system and that facilities in the centre are inadequate.

The group says that they have “no hope of success” in their applications to be allowed to remain in the UK as few have access to solicitors. They add that it is particularly difficult to get legal representation for cases under the Fast Track process due to the short deadlines involved.

The health facilities provided at Yarl’s Wood are criticised by the women as “bare” and they say there is not proper dental care. The food provided is described as being of bad quality.

The women call on Brown to intervene in their cases and allow them to remain in the UK.

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