15 Jan 2021
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has today issued a statement following the recent protests that have taken place around the Penally Asylum Accomodation Centre in Penally.
In his statement, PCC Llywelyn confirmed that he has met with Chief Inspector of Asylum and Immigration, to discuss conducting an independent inspection of the Centre that will take place in the near future. The PCC also confirmed that he is pushing for funding from the Home Office to support local resources that have been put under pressure as a result of the decision to utilise the MOD camp as an asylum centre.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said: “The situation at the Penally Asylum Accommodation Centre is complex and sensitive, and I would like to reassure the local communities of Penally and Tenby, that I am regularly being updated by Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Officers of developments in and around the Centre.
“I’m aware that Police were in attendance during protests that have taken place this week, and I was pleased to hear that the protests were peaceful with no disorder reported.
“These are extremely difficult times for all of us. I have seen first-hand the difficult circumstances encountered by individuals that are residing at the centre and I have met with the Chief Inspector of Asylum and Immigration who gave me assurances about an independent inspection that will take place in the near future.
“However, now is not the time to be gathering to hold protests, and I can understand the frustrations of the local communities when observing such activities.
“Officers will and have been acting accordingly when Covid-19 regulations are breached, and I’m reassured that the Force have been liaising with the site management team to educate them of the Force’s four E principles’ approach – engage, explain, encourage and enforce.
“I am also pushing for additional funding from the Home Office to support local resources that have been put under pressure as a result of the decision to utilise the camp as an asylum centre. In the meantime, we remain in regular contact with local partners and service providers, monitoring all situations around the facility.”
ENDS
More information:
Gruff Ifan
Policy and Engagement Advisor
Gruffudd.ifan@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
