Yarl's Wood future under review

A fire and riot destroyed half of the £100m asylum centre

The Home Secretary Charles Clarke is to hold talks on the future of Yarl's Wood detention centre in Bedfordshire.

The unit - built to house asylum seekers - was severely damaged by fire three years ago and rebuilt.

MP for North East Beds Alistair Burt told the Commons serious concerns about the incident are continuing.

Tighter controls are being planned to restrict those allowed into Britain and any who fail to gain entry and are due to be deported are kept at Yarl's Wood.

A new "points system" will be brought in, giving priority to migrants who have skills, or where there are jobs shortages.

There will also be tougher measures on illegal immigration, and a speeding up of hearings of asylum cases.

Yarl's Wood is designed as a holding centre for people who have failed to gain entrance to Britain.