Theresa May warned to expect criticism in Windrush report
2 min read
Theresa May has been warned to expect criticism in an upcoming independent review into the Windrush scandal.
The former Tory PM served as Home Secretary under David Cameron between 2010 and 2016, and oversaw a “hostile environment” policy while Caribbean migrants were deported despite having the right to live in Britain.
More than 80 Commonwealth citizens were deported despite having a legal right to remain in the UK.
The scandal culminated in the resignation of Mrs May’s successor, Amber Rudd, in April 2018.
According to the Times, Mrs May has been written to on behalf of the review, giving her the opportunity to respond to criticisms.
The government’s willingness to deport ethnic minorities has reignited criticism in recent weeks, after more than 170 MPs called for a flight carrying 50 Jamaican deportees to be halted.
It is understood some of those concerned came to Britain as children and, in the words of Labour MP Diane Abbott, “have no memory” of their country of birth.
A leaked draft of the Windrush review said the government should consider ending the deportation of foreign-born offenders who came to the UK as children.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said each individual affected had been convicted of a “serious offence and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more”.
She added that under legislation introduced by Labour in 2007, “a deportation order must be made”.
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