CAMPAIGNERS squared up outside a controversial immigration detention centre shouting "asylum is a human right" and "migrants are not criminals" at a weekend demonstration.

About 100 protestors were at Campsfield House, Kidlington, from midday today to push for the end of the government's use of such centres for migrants.

Earlier this month the government announced that the 216-bed facility where detainees are kept until their case is resolved, will shut after 25 years.

Members of action groups including the Campaign to Close Campsfield and End All Immigration Detention were out in force waving banners and shouting slogans to highlight their battle to see all such facilities shut for good.

Speaking at the demonstration Bill MacKeith, joint organiser of Campaign to Close Campsfield, said: "We are demonstrating for Campsfield House to be closed and for the end of all immigration detention centres.

"There has been a significant change in immigration detention policy nationally and this is a step in the right direction.

"But obviously it is not enough because they are still locking up innocent people for an indefinite period."

The campaign group was first formed in 1994 and went on to hold monthly demonstrations since its formation. The group is now targetting the closure of all remaining facilities across the UK.

Several other groups also turned out for the demonstration which saw speeches, music and chanting throughout the afternoon.

Oxfordshire based charity Asylum Welcome were at the event as well as Oxfordshire Refugee Solidarity who provide support and aid to refugees in Calais.

Oxford East MP for Labour Anneliese Dodds was also present, lending her support, and said despite the imminent closure of the centre the day was 'bitter sweet'.

She told Oxford Mail: "I have been long concerned about what is happening at Campsfield House as part of the overall detention system.

"Obviously Campsfield House is closing and to an extent I am pleased to see that because it is part of a reduction overall in detention facilities.

"However I am concerned that actually people could be moved to other centres where they don't have the support they have here and also we are seeing the hostile environment increasing.

"The hostile environment overall doesn't seem to be going away and in fact it just seems to be getting more extreme in many cases."