Petition on Change.org! calls for Disney cartoon characters, including Mickey Mouse, ‘ordrered’ by Newark and Bingham MP, government Immigration Minister, at Kent Intake Unit that looks after unaccompanied child migrants in Dover to be painted over, to be reinstated

A petition launched to reinstate Disney cartoon characters that Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is said to have ordered to be painted over has been signed by over 53,000 people.

The petition, on Change.org!, reads: “Cartoons of Disney characters have been destroyed at a children’s asylum centre after an order from the Minister for Immigration Robert Jenrick on the grounds that they were "too welcoming".

“This is needless cruelty against children who already face immense hardship. Children arriving at the centre in Kent are alone - and seeing cartoons could help provide a small moment of escape.

“That’s why we’re urging the Minister for Immigration and the Home Office to bring the cartoons back. Please sign this petition if you agree.”

The petition claims staff at the centre even initially refused the order because of its cruelty. And, there are artists on standby offering to paint it back at no expense to the taxpayer.

“A cartoon mural may seem trivial. But, if it can draws just a smile, a moment of comfort or normalcy to a child facing distressing circumstances, then it is worth it. And we need to remind ministers to stand for compassion, not cruelty,” says the petition.

Mr Jenrick, MP for Newark and Bingham, was approached for comment by the Advertiser over the issue that arose at the Kent Intake Unit, which opened in November to look after unaccompanied child migrants in Dover.

At 75,000 signatures, this petition becomes one of the top signed on Change.org! It can be seen here

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.