Campaigners are expressing outrage following revelations that the Home Office is exploring the possibility of allowing children to be restrained with handcuffs during deportations.
A consultation document released as part of efforts to remove families lacking legal authorization to stay in the UK indicates that the option of handcuffing minors is being considered in cases of non-compliance. This development follows Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposal to provide families with up to £10,000 per individual – capped at £40,000 per family – to depart voluntarily.
In instances of refusal, families could face compulsory removal. Louise Calvey, the executive director of Asylum Matters, criticized the potential use of handcuffs on children, deeming it traumatizing, dehumanizing, and terrifying, asserting that it contradicts the principles of a civilized nation.
The document, as reported by The Mirror, highlights that nearly a quarter of failed enforced returns involve disruptions related to families, with children often being affected. The average cost of each enforced family removal is stated to be £96,000.
The proposal suggests reinforcing measures for enforced family returns to reduce failures, allowing officers to resort to physical interventions, including handcuffing in severe cases, to address non-compliance involving children as a last resort.
According to the document, officers are expected to employ the least amount of physical force necessary, with prohibitions on techniques causing pain or affecting breathing. The use of physical force, including handcuffs, may be considered in serious situations where a child directly or indirectly resists compliance.
Griff Ferris from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants criticized the government’s approach, emphasizing the concerning levels of violence and dehumanization targeting migrants. He called for community support against such measures and encouraged resistance to corporations profiting from border control practices.
Ms. Mahmood introduced a pilot program offering families incentives to leave the UK voluntarily, aiming to save costs compared to accommodating families in hotels. The Home Office reiterated its commitment to humane enforcement of immigration rules, highlighting the necessity of returning individuals without legal status.
In a speech, Ms. Mahmood emphasized the humane nature of the government’s approach to removing families with children, stressing the importance of enforcing rules to deter improper asylum claims and risky crossings.
The proposed immigration and asylum reforms, which include temporary refugee status and extended qualification periods for settlement, have sparked criticism from opposition MPs. Labour representatives highlighted the perceived cruelty in the policies and expressed concerns about moving away from core party values.
The Home Secretary’s stance on these issues has raised objections within the Labour Party, with MPs voicing dissent over the proposed direction of asylum and immigration policies. The potential clash between MPs and the government’s agenda indicates a contentious debate ahead.