Just 22 asylum-seekers remain on hunger strike at Campsfield House in an attempt to force Home Office minister Mike O'Brien to visit them.

The strikers are angry that Mr O'Brien did not speak to them when he recently visited the controversial detention centre, in Langford Lane, Kidlington, to present Group 4 with an Investors In People award.

A total of 70 detainees began the strike on Monday - but now only a hardcore few still refuse to eat.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Mr O'Brien has declined to talk about it until the strike is finished.

"He has not ruled out speaking to detainees and meeting them, but obviously cannot do so while any form of disruption is continuing."

The number of genuine hunger strikers is hard to assess, primarily because they only give details of people refusing food.

It does not say if they are doing so through illness or moral principle.

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