Robert Jenrick has refused to apologise for ordering the removal of a Mickey Mouse mural from an asylum centre, saying it made the facility too welcoming for children. The Conservative MP and leadership hopeful only stated that he “wouldn’t make the same decision again.”
A decision Jenrick stands by
In August last year, while serving as immigration minister, Jenrick defended his choice, telling LBC, “The change was the right one. I fundamentally believe you don’t judge our system’s compassion by the decoration of a centre where migrants first arrive.” He ordered the murals of cartoon characters at the Kent Intake Unit to be painted over.
Jenrick questioned over the decision
On Sky News, presenter Sophy Ridge asked Jenrick if he understood why some might find the decision “cruel.” Jenrick responded, “I’ve said I wouldn’t do it again. We wanted to ensure that the environment discouraged adults posing a risk to children.”
Ridge challenged him, noting, “That’s not about the Mickey Mouse mural. A 25-year-old pretending to be 18 wouldn’t be affected by a mural, but an eight-year-old might feel comforted by it.”
Jenrick avoids direct apology
Jenrick maintained, “I would never do anything but try to support children compassionately. My record shows that.” When pressed on whether he was “sorry” or felt “regret,” he replied, “It’s not something I would do again.”
Finally, Jenrick turned the focus to his broader efforts, saying, “The key issue is how we treat unaccompanied children when they enter the UK. The reforms I introduced as minister have significantly improved their treatment.”
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