Protective walls before the drawings were erased. Photo: reproduction
Murals of Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters painted to greet children applying for housing in Dover, England have been removed by order of the Immigration Secretary. Robert Jenrick called for the drawings to be removed because they allegedly conveyed an overly welcoming message.
The Kent Admissions Unit (KIU) opened last November to look after unaccompanied migrant children. Facilities included more welcoming interview rooms and an outdoor space, he added.
Robert Jenrick of the Conservative Party. Photo: reproduction
The murals were removed on Tuesday (4). “We are doing everything we can to ensure children are safe, protected and supported while we urgently seek internships with local authorities,” said a KIU representative.
“All children undergo a health interview upon arrival at the shelter, which includes questions aimed at identifying possible signs of trafficking or protection issues.”
“Our priority is to prevent boats from arriving and to detect people smugglers.”
Labour’s shadow Immigration Secretary Stephen Kinnock condemned Mr Jenrick, saying the idea that removing the murals would ‘somehow prevent the boats from arriving is absolutely absurd’.
Kinnock said it was a sign of a “chaotic government in crisis whose failed approach means it has only harsh words and cruel, callous policies”.
The Labor Party has a plan to “end dangerous border crossings, take down criminal smuggling gangs and end the use of hotels to clear the backlog of asylum applications,” he added.
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