Dear IRR News subscriber,

This week, over 500 people marched in London for the annual United Families and Friends Campaign procession to remember those who have died in state custody. Chris Searle reviews two challenging new books for young people. And we reproduce an open letter from Grattan Puxon of the Dale Farm Housing Association to the leader of Basildon Council, calling for a meeting to discuss the welfare of families.

In other news from around the UK, an inquiry has been launched into the death of a male detainee at Harmondworth detention centre reportedly while he was being restrained. An inquest into the death of Jacob Michael in police custody has criticised the ‘serious deficiencies’ of Cheshire police. And the Red Cross has expressed grave concerns about ongoing negative press coverage of asylum seekers and refugees, calling for standards to be actively monitored.

Harmit Athwal

Editor, IRR News