Immigration Controls: EU Nationals

(asked on 20th May 2021) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of EU citizens (1) being handcuffed at British airports, (2) made to sleep in parked vans, and (3) prevented from accessing medication, after being denied entry into the UK.


Answered by
Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait
Baroness Williams of Trafford
Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
This question was answered on 9th June 2021

EU citizens are our friends and neighbours and we want them to stay in the UK, which is why we launched our ground-breaking EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), and for those who do not have status under the EUSS, they can enter the UK for up to six months as visitors, visa free.

Separate to the Immigration Rules any travel to the UK at this time is also subject to requirements relating to the global pandemic. Until 17 May, it was not generally permissible to travel the UK simply for a visit under health regulations set by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations. Those claiming to be entering for work or study in relation to these regulations must prove they meet our entry requirements, including holding the correct immigration status, for the purpose stated for their journey in relation to the border health regulations.

Individuals, including EU Citizens, may be refused permission to enter the UK if they do not meet COVID19 related health or immigration requirements. COVID19 testing requirements set by EU and other nations, combined with a lack of flights, has meant some cannot be returned as quickly and easily as normal.

We will accept nothing but the highest standards from both Home Office staff and the companies employed to provide detention and escorting services on our behalf. Home office staff have a duty to act professionally and only use detention when it is proportionate, reasonable, and justified in the circumstances. We have issued instructions to staff to reinforce the principle, in all cases there exists a presumption in favour of bail.

In detention, the rights of all detained individuals are protected by the Detention Centre Rules 2001 (DCR), published Operating Standards for immigration removal centres (IRCs) and individuals under escort and Detention Services Orders (DSO).

Published guidance, and the training received by Border Force and Detainee Custody Officers makes it clear physical force and restraint equipment should only be used after a thorough assessment of risk, and in consideration of each individual’s personal circumstances. Where restraints are used, they are removed at the earliest opportunity.

The Home Office and our escorting provider regularly review procedures to reduce the amount of time detained individuals spend on board escorting vehicles. Officers are instructed to process individuals as quickly as practically possible, whilst ensuring they still have a full and proper induction and ultimately maintain the safety and security of all detained individuals and staff involved.

All IRCs have dedicated health facilities run by doctors and nurses which are managed by the NHS or appropriate providers. Detained individuals arriving at IRCs are medically assessed by a nurse within two hours of their arrival and offered an appointment with a doctor within 24 hours. Those carrying prescribed medication, have this medication checked and re-issued by healthcare teams at the earliest possible opportunity. Individuals continue have access to medical assistance, including medication, throughout their time in an IRC.

Reticulating Splines