Asylum seekers being removed from the UK to France were placed in waist and leg restraints during deportation flights, according to a new inspection report, raising concerns over the treatment of detainees.
The findings relate to the Home Office’s controversial “one in, one out” scheme, under which small boat arrivals are deported to France in exchange for individuals entering the UK through legal routes.
The report, led by Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor, examined flights in January and detailed instances where force was used following protests by detainees.
While no force was used on a flight between 20 and 21 January, inspectors highlighted a separate flight on 16 January where several use-of-force incidents were recorded.
Waist restraint belts were applied in three cases. In two instances, detainees remained restrained for the duration of the journey due to what officials described as “continuing resistance”.
In some cases, leg restraints were also used, including during transport to the aircraft and while onboard.
The report noted that many of those removed were small boat arrivals who may have experienced serious trauma, including torture or trafficking.
Following earlier protests, some detainees expressed fear about the potential use of force during subsequent removals.
Despite these concerns, Taylor stated: “Despite the concerns of some detainees about the potential use of force during this subsequent operation, inspectors observed that escort staff remained consistently professional and respectful in all interactions.”
He added regarding earlier incidents: “We found that any past use of restraints or control techniques had been justified based on assessed risks.”
Inspectors also identified issues around access to legal support and communication, including a lack of interpreters and limited access to solicitors while in detention.
There were additional concerns that some asylum seekers feared being left homeless in France or removed onward to other countries.
Emma Ginn of Medical Justice warned: “We are extremely concerned to learn that some taken to aircraft for removal to France have been subjected to the use of force and carried in waist and leg restraints.”
She added: “For torture survivors the use of force can be a terrifying re-enactment of past mistreatment.”
The Home Office defended its approach, emphasising border control and welfare standards.
A spokesperson said: “This government is restoring order and control to our border. We have removed or deported almost 60,000 people who were here illegally since the election.”
They added: “The welfare of people detained is of the utmost importance and we are committed to ensuring that detention and removals are carried out with dignity.”
The findings are likely to intensify debate around the UK’s asylum and deportation policies, particularly the balance between enforcement and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
As scrutiny grows, campaigners and policymakers are expected to continue pushing for greater transparency and safeguards in the removal process.