Nearly 150 children’s advocacy organizations have accused the Government of launching a sustained assault on children’s rights and called for a reversal of plans to restrain children during deportations. They strongly criticized the proposals to increase the use of force on children, labeling them as “abhorrent” and expressing concerns about the impact of settlement rule changes that could lead to a significant number of children falling into poverty.

The Government is currently seeking feedback on a proposal that would permit officers to handcuff and physically assist children onto deportation flights if they resist. Various groups, including the British Association of Social Workers, Children’s Rights Alliance for England, and The Fostering Network, voiced their opposition in a letter to Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, denouncing the harm to children as “abhorrent.”

In a joint statement, the 148 organizations emphasized the importance of upholding children’s rights in the face of recent migration policy changes. Rita Waters, the group chief executive of the National Youth Advocacy Service, stressed the need to protect every child without resorting to tactics like handcuffing.

While the Home Office defended its actions as necessary to manage the immigration system, critics urged a shift in policy to prioritize the well-being of children. Home Secretary Mahmood proposed measures aimed at enhancing fairness in the immigration and asylum system, such as temporary refugee status and adjusting eligibility criteria for indefinite leave to remain.

Children’s groups called for a child rights impact assessment to gauge the repercussions of proposed changes on young individuals. They highlighted the potential negative effects on children’s stability and future prospects, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment rather than subjecting children to hardship.

The debate also touched on the financial implications of enforced family removals, citing disruptions involving children as a significant factor. The consultation document outlined guidelines for the use of force, emphasizing the necessity of minimizing physical contact and prohibiting techniques that cause pain or affect breathing.

Authorities defended the proposed measures as essential for managing high levels of migration and improving the immigration system. They underscored the government’s commitment to addressing child poverty and educational disparities while implementing necessary reforms to restore order.