“Immigration detention centres, where survivors of modern slavery often find themselves, remain operating at great risk to all those detained,” says Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

“As a result of the government’s hostile environment policies members of the Windrush generation were until very recently detained and even deported. The government must now restore the human dignity of those whose rights were violated.”

Failure to take advantage of the settlement scheme could leave EU citizens in Britain facing deportation from June 2021.

Those who are familiar with the Traveller community will know of their deep piety and indeed knowledge of the essentials of the Catholic Faith.

The Government and the Civil Service must be held to account, especially in applying the Dublin III Regulations which will allow children to be reunited with their families in the UK.

Bishop Paul McAleenan studied in St Patrick's College, Thurles. Prior to his episcopal ordination, he was a priest of the Diocese of Westminster for over 40 years.