More than 100 asylum seekers were held at two UK immigration detention centres staged overnight protests against the government’s controversial “one in, one out” agreement with France.
The protests took place on Wednesday night at Harmondsworth detention centre near Heathrow and Brook House near Gatwick, where people selected for removal to France are held. Detainees said they were peacefully resisting transfer to the airport, arguing that the scheme was unfair and placed some of them at serious risk.
Under the policy, a small number of people who arrive in the UK by small boat are detained and sent to France, while others from the same crossing are allowed to remain and have their asylum claims processed. Protesters said the selection process appeared random and caused distress.
Some detainees told reporters they feared returning to France because of threats from people smugglers, while others worried they could later be deported to their home countries, where they believe their lives would be in danger.
During the protest, detainees said officers wearing riot gear, accompanied by dogs, intervened. Several protesters claimed teargas was used and alleged they were forcibly removed to their rooms. One man said he had been beaten and was later isolated, complaining of severe head pain.
Support groups condemned the response while Campaigners described the policy as ineffective and inhumane, noting that Channel crossings have continued despite the scheme.
The Home Office has not yet responded to the specific allegations, but the protests highlight growing opposition to the UK-France arrangement among asylum seekers and human rights organisations.
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