Euro-MP hails scrapping of Throckmorton asylum centre

12.00.00am GMT Tue 5th Nov 2002

A West Midlands Euro-MP has welcomed the Government announcement to cancel plans to build a massive refugee reception centre in Throckmorton, near Pershore in Worcestershire.

The Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne said: "This is a great day for the thousands of local residents who campaigned tirelessly to get these plans scrapped, and they should be congratulated."

"Just 24 hours ago, Labour ministers were claiming that if their asylum seeker plans were not passed by Parliament, the French government would keep controversial refugee centre at Sangatte open. With Sangatte now closed, and the Throckmorton plans scrapped, those threats now seem distinctly empty."

"Liz Lynne has campaigned with local people against the government's plans ever since they were announced and has joined in with local protests at Throckmorton on several occasions."

"This is good news for the local people near Throckmorton and Pershore, but even better for the refugees who would have been abandoned there," Liz said.