Incident Halts UK Deportation Flight After Man Swallows Vape Battery

A private deportation flight organized by the UK Home Office was canceled on Thursday after an Egyptian foreign national offender swallowed a lithium vape battery shortly before boarding. The man, known for his disruptive behavior during previous removal attempts, was scheduled to be deported from the UK to Egypt via Albania. He had been held in segregated detention for several days prior to the flight but was provided a vape during this time.

The Guardian

The planned deportation involved a private flight that would take the individual from the UK to Albania, followed by a separate leg to Egypt. After swallowing the battery, the man was taken to a hospital for treatment and subsequently returned to detention. A spokesperson for Mitie, the contractor managing the deportation, stated that the incident is under investigation, emphasizing that there is currently no evidence of wrongdoing or procedural breaches by their staff.

The Guardian

The Home Office's use of private flights for deportations is uncommon, particularly for a single individual. Such flights are typically reserved for individuals deemed particularly disruptive. The financial implications of the canceled flight from Albania to Egypt remain unclear, but chartering private planes for deportation can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The Guardian

The Home Office reiterated its commitment to deportation efforts, stating, “Disruptive behaviour will not succeed, and we will be continuing with deportation action as soon as it is possible to do so.” Mitie has assured adherence to strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both staff and detainees.

The Guardian

The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the management of deportation processes by Mitie. Previous incidents involving the company have raised questions about its operational practices. For instance, there have been reports of individuals escaping during deportation attempts, and staff at the Manston detention center, managed by Mitie, faced investigations leading to dismissals.

The Guardian

While the Home Office and Mitie maintain that there was no procedural breach, the circumstances surrounding the provision of the vape to the detainee remain unclear. Additionally, the exact costs associated with the canceled flight have not been disclosed, leaving a gap in understanding the financial impact of this incident.

The Guardian

• “This incident is currently being investigated. At this point, there is no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing or breach of procedure by our colleagues. Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of those in our care.” — Mitie Spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Disruptive behaviour will not succeed, and we will be continuing with deportation action as soon as it is possible to do so.” — Home Office Spokesperson

The Guardian