Children are also among those who have crossed the Channel and have been sent directly to immigration removal centres, with solicitors claiming the Home Office has classed minors as adults despite not age-assessing them in person. Some small-boat asylum seekers have been denied access to a lawyer since early May after landing and being immediately detained in a removal centre. Campaigners said the development was ânot the act of a civilised and compassionate nationâ. The outcry follows the publication of home secretary Priti Patelâs nationality and borders bill on Tuesday. It claims to reform the asylum system but has been described by the UN as having an âalmost neocolonial approachâ in allowing the UK to shirk its international responsibilities to refugees.