UK Cancels First Flight Under 'One In, One Out' Asylum Scheme Amid Detainee Protests
The UK government has cancelled the first flight of 2026 under its controversial "one in, one out" asylum scheme, which aims to balance deportations with processing asylum claims. The flight was set to take detainees from Harmondsworth immigration removal centre to Paris, but was called off just hours before departure.
Detainees who had been told they would be flying were left frustrated and confused when their tickets were cancelled without explanation. One detainee described the experience as "arbitrary and discriminatory", citing concerns about being detained despite having fled war, persecution, and injustice in their home countries.
The cancellation follows a report compiled by 80 detainees at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre, which highlighted the discrepancy between those who are processed in the UK and those who are detained for deportation to France. The report stated that detainees considered their detention to be "arbitrary" and felt silenced by the lack of transparency from authorities.
The Home Office has faced criticism over its "one in, one out" policy, which some argue is unfair and discriminatory towards vulnerable asylum seekers. Detainees have expressed concerns about being held without explanation or access to effective appeals processes.
The cancellation of the flight may result in significant costs for the government, as the company leasing the plane could be entitled to compensation. However, the exact arrangements are unclear, with Home Office officials refusing to comment on operational matters.
In 2022, data released under freedom of information laws showed that the average cost of a deportation charter flight was £180,000, although costs can vary depending on factors such as destination and type of plane used.
The UK government has cancelled the first flight of 2026 under its controversial "one in, one out" asylum scheme, which aims to balance deportations with processing asylum claims. The flight was set to take detainees from Harmondsworth immigration removal centre to Paris, but was called off just hours before departure.
Detainees who had been told they would be flying were left frustrated and confused when their tickets were cancelled without explanation. One detainee described the experience as "arbitrary and discriminatory", citing concerns about being detained despite having fled war, persecution, and injustice in their home countries.
The cancellation follows a report compiled by 80 detainees at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre, which highlighted the discrepancy between those who are processed in the UK and those who are detained for deportation to France. The report stated that detainees considered their detention to be "arbitrary" and felt silenced by the lack of transparency from authorities.
The Home Office has faced criticism over its "one in, one out" policy, which some argue is unfair and discriminatory towards vulnerable asylum seekers. Detainees have expressed concerns about being held without explanation or access to effective appeals processes.
The cancellation of the flight may result in significant costs for the government, as the company leasing the plane could be entitled to compensation. However, the exact arrangements are unclear, with Home Office officials refusing to comment on operational matters.
In 2022, data released under freedom of information laws showed that the average cost of a deportation charter flight was £180,000, although costs can vary depending on factors such as destination and type of plane used.
, sounds like the UK is being super flexible with its "one in, one out" policy 
. Detainees are literally left hanging when their tickets get cancelled without any explanation... that's not cool 
. And what's up with this arbitrary system? It seems like it's more about cost savings for the gov than actually helping those who need help 
. France, can you please just give 'em a break? 
i mean i knew it was a bit dodgy but to cancel the first flight just hours before departure? that's crazy 
and 80 of them reported arbitrary detention which is wild 
. can't they just sort out a more humane system or something? 
this 'one in, one out' policy sounds like it's more about punishment than helping people who are genuinely fleeing for their lives 
It's like they're trying to break some invisible balance scale or something. And can you blame them for feeling frustrated and silenced by the system? 
Those detainees at Harmondsworth have every right to speak out against their treatment, even if it's not always heard loud and clear. Maybe this cancellation is a small step in the right direction, but it's definitely not enough – we need real change, not just a bunch of PR spin 
this whole asylum thing is just so messed up, you know? Like, shouldn't we be helping ppl who are literally fleeing for their lives, not making 'em fly to another country without even knowing what's gonna happen next? 
i mean, i guess it shows that maybe they're onto something... about this "one in, one out" policy being unfair & discriminatory towards vulnerable asylum seekers 
. gotta keep an eye on this stuff and hope that some real change happens soon 
. And don't even get me started on the cost – £180,000 for a flight? That's just ridiculous 
.
. They're fleeing war and persecution in their home countries, and yet they're still being detained without access to effective appeals processes. It's just not right 
. We need a more compassionate system, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals.
. Now it seems like everything is about " deportation" and "detention". Where's the humanity in that? 
.
. Maybe it's time for some change in the system, like what Benedict Cumberbatch does in "Sherlock" where he solves all these mysteries 
.
!
. and what's with the arbitrary flight cancellations? it's like they're just winging it 
. I mean, can't they just give people a fair chance? These asylum seekers have already risked everything to get here, and now they're being treated like they're not even worthy of consideration 
!
. This policy is just plain messed up and needs a complete overhaul 
. Let's start treating these people with the dignity and respect they deserve 
i mean, these ppl r already in a vulnerable situation, fleeing war & persecution... they need support & protection, not arbitrary detention & deportation 
. the 'one in, one out' policy is all about balancing deportations w/ processing asylum claims, but at what cost? the detainees r speaking truth to power & demanding better treatment 
