CAMPAIGNERS have claimed only one out of 13 women earmarked for removal from the UK was flown out of the country thanks to protests at a controversial North East detention centre.
The woman's removal, as part of a larger group on a chartered flight to Nigeria, came as the UK announced a "major new agreement" with the African country "to collaborate on migration issues" - following similar arrangements with Ghana and Rwanda.
Five protestors were arrested at the Medomsley Immigration Removal Centre, in County Durham, as they made a last-ditch attempt to prevent the deportations.
Members of the No to Hassockfield campaign staged the demonstration amidst a strong police presence.
Read more: Cleveland Police ethics boss still suspended after two year investigation
Bearing placards and chanting “set them free”, demonstrators claimed those affected had been denied proper legal advice – something which has been denied by the Home Office.
Dr Helen Groom of the No to Hassockfield Campaign said: "Five of us may have been arrested, but what we know is that that flight was delayed and in that time legal advice was sought for 12 of the 13 women.
"It meant they remain in this country and were not deported to the country they fled to seeking sanctuary.
"Only one of those women was actually on that flight."
She added: "For all the huge police presence and a massive coach brought in, there were three women on the coach.
"But because we had been able to delay them from getting to the flight by an extra hour that gave extra time for legal support to be gained.
"Two of the women were taken off the flight and didn't leave. The remaining woman joined others on chartered flight to Nigeria."
Dr Groom added: "Our point is that if many of these women actually have good access to legal advice and support as they should as they are entitled, they often have cases which means they can gain bail and be released and potentially gain leave to remain."
Durham Police said about 30 people took part in the demonstration and confirmed five people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway.
A Durham Police spokesperson said today (June 30): "The five people were arrested were all given fixed penalty notices and released from custody last night."
The protest was also backed by other groups, including Durham People's Assembly, Abolish Detention, No To Hassockfield and Women for Refugee Women (WfRW).
Read more: Darlington man used bin bag and crisp packet during failed raid at Coral
It happened alongside efforts by WfRW, which has been at the Royal Courts of Justice to challenge the government over inmates' lack of in-person legal advice.
The charity highlighted the poor mobile phone reception inside the building and its isolated location, far from support available at other sites.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The public rightly expects the government to remove dangerous foreign criminals and those with no right to be in the UK.
"All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered in accordance with our international obligations.
"Individuals at Derwentside have always been able to contact their legal representatives easily by telephone, email and video call - and also receive 30 minutes free advice through the legal aid scheme. Meetings in-person are also now able to take place on request."
The spokesperson added: “The UK only ever returns individuals to their country of origin when the Home Office and, where applicable, the courts deem it is safe to do so.
“All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered in accordance with our international obligations. Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant caselaw and the latest country information.
“The New Plan for Immigration will fix the broken immigration system and expedite the removal of those with no right to be here.”
Meanwhlie, it was revealed Home Secretary has struck a major new agreement with Nigeria, which will "see both countries work together to tackle shared migration issues".
A Home Office statement said: "The commitment is already delivering as 13 Nigerian foreign nationals with no right to be in the UK were removed today (Thursday 30 June) on a chartered flight.
After the flight departed Nigeria it flew to Ghana where eight Ghanaian foreign nationals with no right to be in the UK were returned.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “It is an important development that the UK and Nigeria have signed an agreement to co-operate on migration issues, to tackle illegal migration and the significant threat it poses to both nations.
“The deal will mean that operational teams in both countries will share their expertise to take the fight to criminal people smugglers who are responsible for a wider range of criminality and put profit before people while undermining the security of our two countries. This landmark agreement will increase the deportation of dangerous foreign criminals to make our streets and country safer.
“This is our New Plan for Immigration being put into action.”
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel