I regret your proposal to compulsorily detain all asylum seekers. I see no Christian charity or natural justice in this proposal. I have visited several Detention Centres and prisons holding asylum seekers. I have seen nothing in these visits to persuade me that detention of people who are not criminals is good practice. If seeking a better life and security is a crime then we are all guilty.
Detention is imprisonment, Such a restriction of freedom is wrong and inhumane.
The use of Detention Centres should be phased out speedily. The use of conventional prisons to detain asylum seekers who are not criminals should be discontinued forthwith. Detention is not a humane, economic or effective way to deal with immigration. Detention is not a deterrent. It was extremely provocative of you to go to Dover to make your asylum speech.