I understand you are concerned about the charter flight to Jamaica. I would like to take this opportunity to outline what happened and why the Government took this course of action. It is very important that the Home Office is open and transparent about the processes followed.
There have been reports in the media relating to several individuals being removed from the flight. New and late legal representations made whilst an individual is detained are considered carefully and in accordance with the law.
The flight you are referring to removed serious foreign national offenders. These are not British citizens and importantly do not qualify for citizenship or support under the Windrush compensation and documentation schemes. Indeed, each person who was in scope for this flight had their case checked by the Windrush Taskforce.
The Home Secretary is required by the UK Borders Act 2007 to deport any foreign national who has received a custodial sentence of at least 12 months and those convicted of serious crimes, are persistent offenders or who represent a threat to national security, unless a specified exception applies.
It is also the case that the UK only deports those whom the Home Office or courts, when a legal claim is raised, are satisfied do not need protection and have no legal basis to remain in the UK. Every individual who meets the threshold for deportation is given access to legal advice and support and importantly has an opportunity to challenge their removal through the legal system.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on returns. However, the Home Office has continued to remove individuals where flight routes are available. Public health guidance is adhered to on all removal flights and transport arrangements will continue to be reviewed in line with Government advice.
The UK is one of the few countries in the world providing support to help people re-integrate upon their return. This includes supporting multiple charities and non-government organisations in Jamaica.
While we may not agree on every point, I hope with this response I have been able to outline why and how deportations of this kind happen.