Newark MP and Immigration Mnister Robert Jenrick yet to respond to reports he ordered Mickey Mouse murals to ne removed from the reception area of the Kent Intake Unit for unaccompanied child migrants.

Newark MP Robert Jenrick has yet to respond to reports he ordered the removal of murals of Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters that were designed as a welcome for child asylum seekers to a reception centre.

Mr Jenrick was approached for comment by the Advertiser over the issue that arose at the asylum centre in Dover.

It is reported that the Newark and Bingham MP, the government’s immigration minister made the directive at the Kent Intake Unit which opened in November to look after unaccompanied child migrants.

Facilities include softer interview rooms and an outside space as well as prayer rooms, a larger reception and improved security measures to ensure children's safety.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "We do all we can to ensure children are safe, secure and supported as we urgently seek placements with a local authority.

"All children receive a welfare interview on their arrival at accommodation, which includes questions designed to identify potential indicators of trafficking or safeguarding issues.

"Our priority is to stop the boats and disrupt the people smugglers."

Labour's shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock condemned Mr Jenrick's order, saying if it would somehow stop the boats is utterly absurd and a sign of a chaotic government in crisis whose policies on detering sea crossings in small boats were failing.

The i newspaper, which was first to report the story, quoted sources as saying staff at the centre were horrified by Mr Jenrick's order and resisted carrying out the work.