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Mayor Robert Jenrick has said he regrets ordering the removal of a Disney mural at a centre for receiving migrant children, but refused to say whether he would like to see it repainted.
Jenrick sparked outrage I He revealed that in July last year he had instructed officials to paint over the mural at the Kent Reception Facility in Dover, which is taking in unaccompanied migrant children until more suitable accommodation can be found.
talk I Commenting on the case, the former immigration minister said he wanted migrants to be aware they were “on the front lines of law enforcement” but “wants to do nothing other than support children and young people in the state’s care”.
“We are very concerned that some of the points of entry into the UK were inadequately signposted. Illegal entry is a serious issue and in those environments individuals should be treated the same as in law enforcement settings.”
“Obviously, we have to take a different approach when it comes to children.
“I would say the majority of young people in that situation at the time were 16- or 17-year-old males who chose to enter the country illegally, usually for work purposes. It’s important that these people are treated seriously.”
Asked what he regrets, he said: “When an adult enters our country, it is a serious crime and should be treated as such. But there is a difference between the signs that apply to adults and those in places where children and families spend their time.”
But when asked if he would like to see the murals, which include Mickey Mouse and Jungle Book characters, repainted, he said he had “no intention of getting involved in that.”
Mr Jenrick criticised migrant groups, who have slammed the decision to remove the mural as heartless.
“Encouraging families and young children to cross the Channel is not a compassionate act.
“Some of the charities that were concerned about this incident are precisely those that are facilitating and encouraging people to make these dangerous and unnecessary journeys.”
It is understood a private contractor painted over the mural in July 2023 after staff at the Kent Receiving Unit refused to comply.
At the time, Whitehall officials privately condemned Jenrick’s order, describing it as a “self-destructive error”.
Mr Jenrick had previously expressed regret over the decision.