Thousands protest at Yarl's Wood Detention Centre

"All I want is my freedom" — The immigration detention centre has been at the centre of a number of controversies. Campaigners came together on Saturday to demand Yarl's Wood, and all other detention centres, are finally shut down.

Tens of coaches lined a quiet lane in rural Bedfordshire this weekend, as thousands of protestors descended on Yarl’s Wood Immigration Detention Centre, demanding it be shut down. On Saturday afternoon people travelled from all over the UK to attend the latest in a series of protests at the quasi-prison nestled in the otherwise idyllic English countryside. The centre, run by Serco, individuals suspected of visa violations and those subject to deportation held indefinitely until a decision is made on their case.

Christopher_Bethell-9

Those who gathered for hours at Yarl’s Wood aren’t just calling for the closure of this facility, but for detention centres nationwide to shut their doors. “Detaining vulnerable people, for the crime of wanting a better or safer life is inhumane and must be stopped,” one protestor named Minda said. “Time and time again we hear of injustice, maltreatment and abuse inside places like this, and these are just the examples that reach the public.”

Christopher_Bethell-8

Just last week a repot found that a short-term detention centre in Dover was “a wholly unacceptable environment” for people to be held in. “Detainees did not have their basic physical needs met and conditions fundamentally lacked decency,” wrote Peter Clarke, Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Christopher_Bethell-24

As crowds breached a fence on the perimeter of the 400 capacity centre, women hung handmade banners and signs from their windows. One sign read “Yarl’s Wood officers have relationships with vulnerable detainees.”

Yarl’s Wood, which opened in 2001, has been the centre of an array of controversies. In 2002 it was set alight, following widespread protests by detainees. Hunger strikes, sexual abuse and deaths have also regularly been reported in the press.

Christopher_Bethell-18

“I was told I would be held here for two weeks,” shouted a desperate voice from one window. “I’ve been in here for over a year now, all I want is my freedom. Please help me.”

Flares were set off and chants boomed from the voices of those who assembled, as the protest continued into early evening. For those protesting, and the women inside the centre – some of whom addressed the crowd via phone – it was an emotional and tiring event, but organisers from Movement for Justice have vowed they will return in larger numbers very soon. With the momentum that this campaign is gathering, it feels almost certain they will.

Christopher_Bethell-12

Christopher_Bethell-30

Christopher_Bethell-23Christopher_Bethell-45

Christopher_Bethell-13

Photography by Chris Bethell, check out more of his work here.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


Ad

Latest on Huck

Sport

Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?

Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.

Written by: Kyle MacNeill

Culture

One photographer’s search for her long lost father

Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Culture

As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe

Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.

Written by: Emma Garland

Culture

Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans

A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Sport

From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic

Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.

Written by: Dorrell Merritt

Music

In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive

Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.

Written by: Fred Dodgson

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to stay informed from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, with personal takes on the state of media and pop culture in your inbox every month from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...