Anger over deportations to Jamaica

LAWYERS FOR dozens of people deported to Jamaica – including a woman said to be a member of the Windrush Generation – have described the situation as an “appalling insult” to justice.

Members of the BME Lawyers 4 Justice group accused the Government of failing to learn the lessons of the Windrush scandal, which resulted in the resignation of Amber Rudd as Home Secretary last year.

An estimated 15 people due to be on a chartered deportation flight to Jamaica were granted last-minute reprieves to remain in the UK, the campaigners said, but they accused the Government of misleading the public about the extent of their criminal convictions.

In a statement, the coalition said: “The resumption of these deportation flights is a grievous and appalling insult to the principles of justice and fairness.

“The Home Office approach to fundamental rights of returnees has been cynical and inhumane.”

Lee Jasper, of the Blaksox social justice movement, said a 61-year-old woman was believed to be among those due to be deported to Jamaica.

A Home Office spokesman said: “It is only right that we seek to deport foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes in the UK. This ensures we keep the public safe. All individuals on this charter flight are serious criminals.”

Mr Javid earlier defended the flights in the Commons, saying: “Every single one of them (was) convicted of a serious crime.”