"If one accepts that the UK's policy of vetting immigration applicants claiming asylum is fair and that the conditions and facilities provided in detention centres are appropriate, adequate and safe, then perhaps one should consider that the parents of these children have probably put them through quite frightening ordeals just in getting to the UK. If they are genuine applicants then surely being in such a centre, with all the protection that our legal system provides them, is worth the wait for the whole family .

Of course if one considers the UK's policy on asylum-seekers unfair and unjust, then let the gates be opened."

John Rebecchi
Todmorden, West Yorkshire

On the Independent's website