Deportation Of Jamaican Citizens

EDM number 1268 in 1993-94, proposed by Max Madden on 20/05/1994.

That this House is dismayed to learn the latest cost to British taxpayers of deporting Jamaican citizens refused entry to visit the United Kingdom in December 1993 now totals ú194,492; notes this includes the costs of detention, escorting and deportation; further notes that demands made by the Home Office to Caledonian Airways for ú2, 033.81 and to Leisure International Airways for ú44,561 to pay for detention and escort costs remained unpaid on 26th April; believes the deportation of Jamaican citizens who wished to spend Christmas and New Year with relatives and friends in Britain was planned in advance by senior immigration officers without the prior knowledge or authority of Home Office Ministers; notes that such officers have not been disciplined in any way for what is now seen to have been a travesty of natural justice and to have done grave damage to race relations in Britain and to this country's reputation overseas; and can only conclude the deportations were in all respects an extremely costly political fiasco.

This motion has been signed by a total of 36 MPs.