29-5-02

BARRETT SEEKS URGENT MEETING WITH NEW ASYLUM MINISTER OVER TURNHOUSE

John Barrett MP, the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today sought an urgent meeting with newly appointed Minister, Beverley Hughes, to discuss the Government's consideration of RAF Turnhouse for an asylum seeker accommodation centre.

Ms Hughes, who was today appointed Minister of State at the Home Office with responsibility for asylum and immigration, replaced Lord Rooker, who had been piloting the accommodation centre plans.

John Barrett MP said:

"Lord Rooker and I exchanged regular correspondence over the Home Office use of RAF Turnhouse and it is important the Ministerial reshuffle does not lose us the progress that was being made. Although Beverley Hughes is an experienced Home Office Minister, it is important she hears both sides of the argument in the asylum debate.

"I am therefore seeking an urgent meeting with the new Minister to raise the concerns of my constituents and of such organisations as the Refugee Council and the Red Cross, who are convinced the Government's current plans for large centres in rural areas are a recipe for disaster and must be halted."

ENDS