UK Transport Secretary expresses 'disappointment' over blocking of Jamaica deportations

Following the suspension of dozens of deportations to Jamaica from the UK due to a last-minute legal challenge, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Wednesday suggested courts should not be used "to overturn perfectly legitimate decisions".

Shapps admitted there "should be due process all the time", but made clear "courts are there to interpret laws, not to make the laws".

Originally, 50 people were scheduled to fly on the chartered flight which left the UK on Tuesday morning, however 25 were prevented from boarding by to a Court of Appeal ruling following a legal dispute between the government and human rights campaigners.

The campaigners, as well as 150 opposition lawmakers, have argued the potential deportees are British and some were threatened with deportation for minor crimes.

The UK government contends they are all criminals who have committed serious offences and will appeal against the decision that led to the 25 people not being deported.

A further eight never boarded the flight due to new legal developments in their circumstances.

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