“This is a sign of a chaotic government in crisis, whose failing approach means all they have left is tough talk and cruel and callous policies. The shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, told the i: “The idea that painting over murals and removing entertainment for unaccompanied children in immigration centres will somehow stop the boats is utterly absurd. Jenrick issued the instruction to paint over the mural in April. Some of the lone children arriving in the UK are as young as nine, the Home Office recently disclosed. The Kent intake unit (KIU) is a reception centre for unaccompanied child asylum seekers. The story was first reported in the i newspaper. Home Office sources declined to comment to the Guardian on the claims that staff had opposed Jenrick’s instruction. Staff at the reception centre for small boats arrivals in Kent were horrified by the order, and opposed to painting over the murals.
