Campaigners have expressed anger over reports that the Home Office is contemplating the use of handcuffs on children during deportations. A consultation paper released as part of the initiative to expel families lacking legal status in the UK mentions the consideration of handcuffing children if they resist compliance. This proposal follows Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s announcement of offering families a maximum of £10,000 per person, up to £40,000 per family, for voluntary departure.
If families decline the offer, they would face involuntary removal. Louise Calvey, the executive director of Asylum Matters, condemned the possibility of children being handcuffed, stating that it is traumatic, dehumanizing, and not reflective of a civilized society. The document highlights that about a quarter of failed forced returns involve disruptions with families, mostly due to a child’s involvement, costing an average of £96,000 per family removal.
According to the consultation paper, physical interventions, including handcuffing in severe cases, may be utilized as a last resort to ensure compliance during family deportations. The approach emphasizes minimizing physical contact, prohibiting pain-inducing techniques and actions affecting breathing. The use of physical force, including handcuffs, would be authorized in situations where a child is directly or indirectly involved in non-compliance.
Griff Ferris from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants criticized the government’s harsh measures against migrants, calling for resistance and support for local anti-raids groups. Home Secretary Mahmood announced a pilot scheme offering families financial incentives to leave voluntarily, estimating potential savings of up to £20 million annually through these measures.
A Home Office spokesperson assured that forced returns would only be considered as a last resort, emphasizing the humane enforcement of rules. The government aims to consult on a more effective and compassionate approach to family deportations. The proposed reforms, including temporary refugee status and extended wait times for indefinite leave to remain, have drawn criticism from opposition MPs for being detrimental to immigrants and refugees.
