THEWLISS: WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Alison Thewliss, the Member of Parliament for Glasgow Central, has urged constituents to know their rights as officers begin raiding the homes of the first people to be deported to Rwanda.
These raids come following the recent passing of the Safety of Rwanda Act, which declared the central African nation safe following concerns raised by the Supreme Court last year.
A video released by the Home Office showed officers entering homes and bringing out people detained in handcuffs, before putting them in the back of secure vans.
The UK Government has previously said it has 2,200 “detention spaces”, alongside 200 new caseworkers and 500 “highly trained escorts” ready.
They added that planes have been booked, with flights set to take off in nine to 11 weeks’ time.
But the UK Government is facing a fresh legal challenge from the FDA trade union representing senior civil servants, who say following the law – which allows ministers to ignore rulings from the European Court of Human Rights – could see them breaching the Civil Service Code.
Thewliss has spoken of the need for constituents to know their rights as these raids begin, urging them to get in touch with the relevant contacts if they are in need.
Commenting, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“The tweet from the Home Office yesterday was utterly sickening. To watch the UK Government revel in a clear breach of human rights is wicked and shameful.
“While I do not have any knowledge or information on who may detained or removed, or how these decisions will be made, it is important that my constituents know their rights.
“If you have received any letters from the Home Office which mention Rwanda, please make sure that you contact your lawyer immediately.
“If you are asked to attend an immigration appointment, please make sure a friend or relative knows where and when you are going and can call your lawyer if they do not hear from you after 2 hours.
“If you don’t have someone to do this, the No Evictions Network can also provide someone. If there is an emergency or you have been detained, please also contact No Evictions Emergency Hotline (07438318003) or email noevictionsnetwork@gmail.com.
“Please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office if you are a constituent affected during this difficult time.”