Asylum seekers in detention centre go on hunger strike over deportation to France under Labour Policy

The strike began on Monday, just days before the men are scheduled to be forcibly removed on Thursday under the Home Office’s relocation scheme. The plan involves sending some asylum seekers to France while allowing a smaller number to legally enter the UK through official channels.
Growing Anger and Fear Among Detainees
More than 100 asylum seekers have already been transferred to France as part of the policy. But concerns are mounting after reports that some deported individuals have made dangerous return trips to the UK in small boats. This includes an Iranian man who has been removed twice and an Eritrean man facing deportation again this week.
One hunger striker told The Guardian that he believes the system is “deeply unfair and unjust.” He explained that he arrived on a small boat with 83 people, but only 12 were taken to detention while the others entered the normal asylum process and are now being housed in hotels.
“We’re being held with people who may have criminal records. I feel hopeless. This hunger strike is the only way to show the public that we don’t deserve this treatment,” he said.
Another detainee described living in constant anxiety:
“Life has completely stopped since I was detained. It feels like being stuck in limbo, always afraid of being sent back to unsafe places whether that’s France or my home country.”
Policy Under Intense Scrutiny
Labour’s “one in, one out” system has come under increasing fire from human rights organisations, immigration specialists, and local councils. Critics argue that the approach is ineffective and heightens risks, particularly when deported individuals attempt dangerous crossings to return.
The Home Office defended the policy, stating:
“We are ramping up returns activity and removing those with no right to be here. Nearly 50,000 people with no lawful status have already been removed this year. We remain committed to ensuring that detention and removals are conducted with dignity and respect.”
UK Facing Record Asylum Pressures
The protest comes as the UK’s asylum system faces its greatest strain in decades. According to the OECD, Britain recorded 108,000 asylum applications in 2024 the highest level since records began in 1979.
This marks a 28% increase from the previous year and surpasses figures in countries such as Germany and France, where applications have fallen.
The largest groups seeking asylum in the UK this year include:
Pakistan- over 10,000 applications
Afghanistan -more than 8,000
Iran- more than 8,000
What Happens Next?
The hunger strike continues as legal teams, advocacy groups, and the detainees wait for updates ahead of Thursday’s scheduled removals. Campaigners are urging the government to rethink the policy, warning that the current system risks creating more chaos, danger, and unnecessary suffering.
More information is expected as the situation evolves.