Beyond Today

Why are people being deported to Jamaica?

02.13.2020 - By BBC Radio 4Play

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

It’s been two years since the Windrush scandal, where at least 164 black British citizens were wrongly deported to countries of their birth or detained in the UK. The scandal has had a lasting impact on the Afro-Caribbean community, with many owed compensation from the government. The Home Office recently approved a flight from London to Jamaica which was deporting convicted offenders who have been here for most of their lives. Once again, many black Brits say they feel targeted and are being forced to question what it really means to be British. We spoke to two BBC reporters: Shamaan Freeman-Powell, who’s been following the story from the beginning, and Greg McKenzie, who followed the flight to Jamaica and has spoken to Brits who say they’ve been forced to leave their home. Maria Thomas, a lawyer at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, explains why a last-minute legal challenge stopped some of the detainees from being deported. Presenter: Tina Daheley

Producers: Seren Jones and Duncan Barber

Mixed by Emma Crowe

Editor: Philly Beaumont

More episodes from Beyond Today