CAMPAIGNERS against Campsfield House Detention Centre, Kidlington, fear changes to immigration laws could mean inmates are quickly deported without any appeal.

A Sunday newspaper claimed that thousands of alleged bogus refugees are to be allowed to settle in Britain because the system is so overwhelmed. But it also suggested that the complicated appeals system may be over- hauled.

Teresa Hayter, of the Campaign to Close Campsfield, said: "It looks as though they are thinking of reducing the rights of appeal, due to the costs of legal aid. I fear the Government will make a system that is already pretty arbitrary much more draconian.

"We have more people in detention with fewer judicial safeguards than any other country. Rather than keeping people in detention they will deport them more quickly. It could affect Campsfield if the appeals system is drastically reduced. It would mean people are in there for a shorter time."

Campaigners claim that many at Campsfield are genuine asylum seekers fleeing oppression.

Sir David Ramsbotham, chief inspector of prisons, recently denounced Britain's system for dealing with asylum seekers as a "complete and utter shambles" after visiting Campsfield.

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