Report Reveals Use of Restraints on Asylum Seekers Deported to France
An inspection report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has revealed that asylum seekers protesting their forced removal from the UK to France were transported in waist and leg restraints. The findings relate to a flight on January 16, where force was used following a sit-down protest by detainees opposing the Home Office’s controversial “one in, one out” scheme. While a subsequent flight on January 20-21 saw no use of force, records showed four incidents involving restraints on the earlier date. Two detainees remained in waist belts due to continuing resistance, with leg restraints applied during transport to the aircraft. The report noted that while staff acted professionally, detainees expressed significant fear and anxiety about potential force and their future homelessness in France. Advocacy group Medical Justice criticized the practice, highlighting that many detainees are torture survivors for whom such measures can be traumatic. The inspector concluded that the use of force was justified based on assessed risks, though concerns regarding lack of legal access and interpreters were raised. This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the bilateral agreement between the UK and France for managing small boat arrivals.
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Report Reveals Use of Restraints on Asylum Seekers Deported to France
An inspection report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has revealed that asylum seekers protesting their forced removal from the UK to France were transported in waist and leg restraints. The findings relate to a flight on January 16, where force was used following a sit-down protest by detainees opposing the Home Office’s controversial “one in, one out” scheme. While a subsequent flight on January 20-21 saw no use of force, records showed four incidents involving restraints on the earlier date. Two detainees remained in waist belts due to continuing resistance, with leg restraints applied during transport to the aircraft. The report noted that while staff acted professionally, detainees expressed significant fear and anxiety about potential force and their future homelessness in France. Advocacy group Medical Justice criticized the practice, highlighting that many detainees are torture survivors for whom such measures can be traumatic. The inspector concluded that the use of force was justified based on assessed risks, though concerns regarding lack of legal access and interpreters were raised. This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the bilateral agreement between the UK and France for managing small boat arrivals.
The Guardian