SNP AFFIRM OPPOSITION TO CHILD DETENTION.

SNP AFFIRM OPPOSITION TO CHILD DETENTION.

First Minister Alex Salmond today re-affirmed the SNP’s opposition to the detention of children at Dungavel.

In answer to a question from SNP MSP Christina McKelvie regarding the detention last week by UK Borders Agency of a mother and four year old child SNP leader Alex Salmond expressed his disappointment with the UK Government’s actions and condemned the “unacceptable” actions of the UK Government saying; "It is not acceptable to detain children, in an establishment like Dungavel, in Scotland."

Speaking after First Minister’s Questions Ms McKelvie, whose region includes the Dungavel detention centre said;

“Over the last week there has been a huge effort put into releasing this child from detention and that is still taking place.

“Across Scotland people are outraged that an innocent four year old boy is currently behind bars in a government detention centre.

“We have a welcoming culture, not one of detaining young children whose families have fled their home countries.

“The alternatives to detention pilot is due to start next month and there is no logical reason for the UK Government acting as it has in this case.

“There are real concerns that procedures in relation to medical checks on the child have not been followed. There was no danger of either the mother or child absconding and the UK Government’s actions in this case are despicable.”