MSPs' concerns over detention centre

The group spent three hours at the Dungavel centre

A group of MSPs have voiced concerns after visiting the controversial Dungavel detention centre in South Lanarkshire.

They were joined by representatives from the churches, Amnesty International and refugee groups as they examined conditions at the facility.

The delegation also met some of the 40 inmates who staged a hunger strike at the centre last week.

Detainees staged a strike at the centre

As they left after more than three hours they said they still had anxieties over issues including the mental health of some detainees and the number of families being held.

Scotland Office minister George Foulkes visited the facility during the protest.

He defended the Dungavel centre, near Strathaven, and said he was satisfied detainees were being well cared for.

"Of course, individual detainees have grievances, which should and are being dealt with by the immigration service," he said.

"But that should not be used to denigrate the good work being done at the centre."

Call for action

However, the views of the MSPs who visited the centre on Tuesday conflicted with those of Mr Foulkes.

The group now intends to make a full report to the Home Office calling for urgent action.

Scottish National Party MSP Shona Robison said she was "really angry" that about half the people they had wanted to speak to were no longer at the centre.

"I want to know why that's the case," she said.

It is not an appropriate setting for families and children who require school and education and a normal life

Shona Robison MSP

She said she had a "real concerns" over the mental health of some detainees.

And Ms Robinson was also concerned that 34 families were being held at Dungavel.

"I have spoken to those families and it is not an appropriate setting for families and children who require school and education and a normal life," she said.

Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan said: "One of the features of our visit which we found still unsatisfactory is the length of time that people are being detained.

"We spoke to two detainees who had been in here for eight months without committing a crime.

"It is just not acceptable in 21st century Scotland."