The decision to re-open an Oxfordshire immigration removal centre has received fresh criticism from an Oxford MP.

The government’s decision to re-open Campsfield House in Kidlington has received renewed criticism from Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran.

With Rishi Sunak expected to unveil new legislation on asylum seekers this week, Ms Moran told the Oxford Mail she has urged ministers at the Home Office to reconsider their plans to open the detention centre in late 2023.

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The detention centre was closed in 2018 and in July 2022 the Home Office announced the centre could be redeveloped to create a 400-bedroom immigration centre for men.

Ms Moran said: “I and my community fought for decades to close the detention centre at Campsfield House.

“At the time I raised concerns about the welfare of detainees, and even discovered that there were children being held at the facility.

“I have spoken to Ministers in the Home Office to urge them to reconsider their plans.”

The government’s new legislation is expected to make asylum claims from those who travel to the UK on small boats inadmissible.

Previously the detention centre housed 282 beds but was closed in 2018 after complaints were made about the conditions people were held in.

Ms Moran accused the government of “punishing the victims of human trafficking” rather than the “evil gangs who profit from these crossings”.

It is not yet certain when asylum seekers will be housed in the facility and the Home Office were approached for comment.

The Home Office has previously said re-opening the centre would be a chance to provide local employment.

Ms Moran has called for new “safe routes” for asylum seekers. She explained: "We all want to see these dangerous crossings stop, but there are currently no safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. Creating these needs to be the priority.”

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Oxford City Council previously voted in favour of a motion condemning the re-opening of the site on November 28, 2022.

The site is set to house foreign criminals and immigration offenders in a combination of refurbished and new-build accommodation.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The government is committed to the removal of foreign criminals and those with no right to be in the UK.

“Immigration removal centres play a vital role in controlling our borders.

"The new site at Campsfield House will help to ensure we effectively deal with those who are here illegally.

“As plans progress, we will continue to engage with the local community, the police and other interested parties.”