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Licence to kill?

(29 Posts)
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Whitewavemark2 Thu 14-Oct-21 11:18:22

If as a member of the border force I was satisfied that the boat I was turning back was seaworthy and likely to survive a return journey, then yes.

But NOT if I thought otherwise. No one would make me behave in such an inhuman manner.

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Germanshepherdsmum Thu 14-Oct-21 11:02:47

Please read and consider what the court has to be satisfied about. I don’t believe that the wording is unreasonable. Remember that in a criminal case the prosecution has to prove its case, including that neither (a) nor (b) in the draft clause applies, beyond all reasonable doubt. If you were a member of the border force Whitewavemark I imagine you would be pleased to have this protection in the event of your being prosecuted for the results of something you did in good faith and with reasonable grounds.

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Whitewavemark2 Thu 14-Oct-21 10:45:04

I saw that?.

What happens if there are children on board and they know that if they turn the boat back it is likely to sink?

That would be manslaughter.

Patel is not above the law neither are the border force.

They cannot be given indemnity for such deliberate acts and if I was a member of the border force I would be consulting my union pdq.

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MaizieD Thu 14-Oct-21 10:02:20

It is reported that Priti Patel is seeking to give indemnity to Border Force staff who may commit a criminal act when dealing with migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.

This clause is reported to be in the draft bill:

‘A relevant officer is not liable in any criminal or civil proceedings for anything done in the purported performance of functions under this part of this schedule if the court is satisfied that (a) the act was done in good faith, and (b) there were reasonable grounds for doing it.’

It is hard to envisage what criminal or civil offence Border Staff might commit apart from causing the death of a refugee, directly or indirectly.

If they did cause the death of a refugee this would be a breach of international law.

To indemnify them against prosecution for this would be, in effect, the state condoning murder.

www.thejusticegap.com/priti-patel-to-give-immunity-to-border-force-officials-turning-back-migrant-boats/

shock

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