Home secretary David Blunkett yesterday promised to continue with the government's policy of detention centres for asylum seekers, despite the riots at the Yarls Wood centre in Bedfordshire, during which £38 million in damage was caused and 22 detainees escaped.

In a statement to the Commons, he also announced that sprinklers would be added to all five detention centres currently operating and to any future buildings.

Shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin said the incident at Yarls Wood coincided with a collapse in the relationship between Blunkett and the police over his reform proposals and the announcement of a rise in street crime.

He said: "Only a proper and comprehensive public inquiry could be expected to provide comprehensive answers which can teach us the comprehensive lessons we will need to learn if there is to be any realistic chance of putting back together the pieces of your removal policy."