House of Lords group adds its voice to call to end child detention

The commitment was made when the coalition government was formed in May, but six months on child asylum seekers and those awaiting deportation are still being detained.

The group of House of Lords members, which includes Lord Roberts of Llandudno, Lord Dubs and Lord Dholakia, is also calling on the government to ensure child welfare and safeguarding are central to new policies on immigration.

The group's letter stated: "We have an opportunity to restore the reputation of this country for keeping our promises and for protecting children from harm. The time for prevarication is over and the time for action has come."

OutCry, the campaign group led by The Children's Society and Bail for Immigration Detainees, has coordinated the letter.

Penny Nicholls, children and young people director at The Children's Society, said: "The jubilation of the announcement six months ago has been replaced by deep concern that children are still being detained. We urge the government to honour its commitment and to put child welfare and safeguarding at the heart of any new practice."

Immigration minister Damian Green said: "Significant progress has been made in working towards the commitment to end child detention for immigration purposes and we are currently piloting some proposed changes to our approach developed with partners. We have already announced that the family unit at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre will close."

According to the Home Office's business plan for 2011-15, the practice of detaining children for immigration purposes will not stop until the end of March 2011.