My constituents have been in touch about the upcoming returns flight to Jamaica on Wednesday 18th May 2022. Many of those on the flight will have arrived as children and have been educated and raised here, and may have been excluded from citizenship by extortionate fees. That’s why I have written to the Minister for Safe and Legal Borders for further clarification on who is being deported and why:

Dear Mr Foster,

You will be aware that the Home Office has confirmed that it intends to operate a returns flight to Jamaica on Wednesday 18th May 2022.

Several constituents have been in touch to raise their concerns on the removal flight, particularly as it will include people who came to the UK as children and those who came to the UK to work and live, as citizens of a Commonwealth country. Many of those on the flight will have arrived as children and have been educated and raised here, and may have been excluded from citizenship by extortionate fees. My constituents are also concerned that those facing deportation will not have the means to support themselves once in Jamaica.

As you know, there is a mandatory duty on the Home Office and others making immigration decisions to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. I am concerned that this may have not been considered for this case. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could confirm the following:

1. Have individuals on this flight all had the appropriate access to lawyers who can help advise on their deportation case?
2. Can you provide an assurance that the mandatory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children when immigration decisions are taken has been taken into consideration?

I would be grateful for your urgent response to the above in view of the scheduled departure of the flight. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Catherine