Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has confirmed that Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre is to close.

The Lib Dem leader made the announcement in parliament today, when he stepped in for David Cameron during prime minister's questions.

He said: "This coalition government like so many other things will once again restore a sense of decency and liberty to the way in which we conduct ourselves.

"That's why I can confirm that the government will come forward shortly with an announcement about how we will deliver on our pledge to end child detention and to close the Yarl's Wood detention centre for good."

Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson welcoemed the news.

He said: "I am very pleased that it is closing it has been an abomination on our local landscape.

"I am also pleased that the new coalition government is delivering on its promises.

"To see a six month old child being imprisoned with its brothers and sisters is just an affront to human dignity and unfortunately Bedford has become a name synonymous with Yarl's Wood."

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