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Film sets the scene for asylum debate

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Film sets the scene for asylum debate

30 Oct 2006 17:07:12

Rev Stephen Heap

A public debate surrounding the issue of asylum and migrant workers will take place at the University of Bedfordshire, featuring a question and answer session with a panel of experts.

The debate will follow the screening of the highly-acclaimed Stephen Frears’ 2002 film, Dirty Pretty Things, which explores issues of illegal immigrants working in the underbelly of London.

The screening and debate will take place at the Bowen West Theatre on 16 November and the panel will include:

  • Jane Dykins, Head of Children's Department at the Refugee Council and Chair of the Refugee Children’s Consortium
  • Larry Wright, Head of Religious Affairs at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Detention Centre
  • Crystal Dickinson, long time Befriender at Yarl’s Wood
  • Kumi Akinruli, Adviser on Immigration and Asylum to the Bishop of St Albans

Co-ordinating Chaplain at the Bedford campus, Reverend Stephen Heap (photo), will chair the panel. He said: “I have organised the event as I thought it was important for people to get together to discuss what sort of a society we are creating and how we treat asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers, especially as Bedford is such a multi-cultural town, which houses an immigration detention centre.

"The film which explores these issues will hopefully spark a frank debate. Those attending will also have an opportunity to talk with people involved with Yarl’s Wood and we are very fortunate to have Jane Dykins from the Refugee Council in London, which is one of the largest organisations in the UK working with asylum seekers and refugees.”

The film will be shown at the Bowen West Theatre, in Lansdowne Road, Bedford, and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3, including entry to the public debate, and can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01234 219333.

Bedfordshire University

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