More than 70 asylum seekers have begun a hunger strike at Campsfield House detention centre in an attempt to win an audience with a Home Office minister.
Detainees began the protest last night to try to force immigration minister Mike O'Brien to visit them and discuss grievances.
They also want to be freed from the controversial centre in Kidlington, while their cases are considered.
One detainee said today: "The hunger strike will continue until our demands are met."
Detainees claim they were snubbed by Mr O'Brien when he presented an Investors In People award to Group 4 security staff at the centre.
A group of campaigners also gathered at Carfax, in Oxford city centre yesterday to show their support for the detainees.
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