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عربي

Jacqui Smith's comments on 'chartered return service to Iraq on 10 December'
23/02/2009

Jacqui Smith was asked by a person to whom she had to reply about the events on the Charter flight to KRG/Iraq on the 10th of December, her reply is below, it is verbatim, cannot/will not give source. You may use below but you must not rewrite or quote out of context.

John O

Jacqui Smith's comments on 'chartered return service to Iraq on 10 December'

" The flight left from Stansted Airport for Iraq two hours late. It was due to arrive in Erbil (Iraq) around 3.00 am (UK time), but the weather report on the ground of fog was so bad that the Captain was unable to make a descent safely. The aircraft did not descend as low as was claimed in the e-mail. The flight was then diverted to northern Turkey. in anticipation that the fog would lift within a few hours. A request to the local authorities for detainees to be allowed to get off the plane was declined. However, the temperature on board was comfortable.

I further understand that by mid morning that the weather in Iraq was not going to improve in time to return the detainees to Erbil within the timescale set by the Iraqi authorities, so a decision was made to return to the UK and to make a fresh attempt a few days later. Detainees had already been issued with the $100 US provided to them under the terms of their return but, as they were to be brought back to the UK. it was appropriate that these sums were returned. The flight left Turkey at 8.30 am (UK time), and stopped briefly in Romania for re-fuelling and a crew change. Those who tended the aircraft were normal ground crew. The flight finally arrived back at Stansted around 4.00 pm and all the detainees had disembarked by 5.30pm.

I have noted the allegations of mistreatment of detainees on the flight. The account from the observer which is supported by a report from the paramedics show these too appear to be factually inaccurate. One detainee did sew up his lips with a single stitch the night before the flight. but it was removed by a paramedic at the Removal Centre for safety and security reasons. One detainee was boarded using leg restraints on account of his disruptive behaviour. This was a Velcro strap placed just below the knees but no detainees were in leg irons.

On board. detainees were mostly compliant. There were no attempts to head butt windows, and only one detainee was taken off the flight. This was for minor cuts following a self harm attempt. He was taken to hospital for treatment, but was discharged later the same day. Detainees were treated well during the flight and were provided with food, drink. and two toilets. Whilst the various delays before returning to the UK were regrettable. I am satisfied that detainees were nonetheless cared for at all times."