Stroud’s MP has spoken out against reports of children being “held in what appear to be cages” by US authorities on the Mexican border.

Labour’s David Drew also called for President Trump’s visit to the UK to be cancelled, after videos and photos of US detention centres where immigrant children, separated from their parents, are held emerged over the weekend.

“I am appalled that children are being separated from their parents and held in what appear to be cages,” said Mr Drew in a statement from Wednesday, June 20, shortly before the US President announced he was reversing the separation policy.

“Governments have a duty of care to all children and their welfare must always be paramount.

“Removing these young children from their families defies basic humanity and can cause lasting harm.

“This is very wrong and I will be once again I will be calling for President Trump not to visit the UK.”

“Today, particularly, the plight of these children seems poignant.

“Today is World Refugee Day, when we work to ensure that the UK continues to offer sanctuary to people fleeing war, persecution and torture.

With global conflicts continuing, it is more important than ever that we uphold those values and work to ensure that people do not feel unwelcome, unsafe or alone when they arrive in the UK.

“It also reminds us to speak up against abuses of human rights wherever they occur,” said David Drew MP, who is also a patron of GARAS, Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.