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'Provide proper care for refugees'
By Fay Schlesinger THE Bishop of Ripon and Leeds was to press for more humane treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in his maiden speech in the House of Lords today.
The Rt Rev John Packer became one of the 23 bishops in the Lords in October, after the Bishop of Oxford retired.
Bishop Packer was expected to make his maiden speech today in a balloted debate on immigration and asylum law.
Several churches within the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds are involved in support and help for asylum seekers.
Bishop Packer says he is concerned about the plight of children, especially when families are being deported.
He cites the example of Antonio Bravo who was with his father, Manuel Bravo, when he killed himself at the Yarlswood detention centre, Bedfordshire, last year, rather than return to Angola.
Antonio is now being cared for by church members in Upper Armley.
Bishop Packer, who led a "March of Witness" for Manuel Bravo, says he wants to draw attention to the destitution caused by current asylum laws.
He said: "Much needs to be done to provide a proper human environment for asylum seekers. Churches in Leeds are very involved in trying to provide
support, care and legal help for refugees."
"There is increasing evidence that children are being woken at 5am and then taken to detention centres," he said. "It is easy to underestimate the effect on other children when their six-year-old friend disappears from their school.
Bishop Packer hopes to raise awareness of the and to urge the Government to take another look at asylum law. He is also to appeal for a more compassionate welcome for asylum seekers.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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