Reviving the Rwanda deportation idea: Alexander Stafford MP suggests using former Doncaster Airport for quick deportations

The Rother Valley MP made the recommendation to immigration minister Robert Jenrick during a House of Commons debate.

Mr Stafford said: “The best solution to an end to the use of hotels and to protect our communities is to stop the boats, stamp out the human exploiters and people smugglers, and increase deportations.

“What steps are the government taking to increase and speed up deportations, and to get the Rwanda scheme going?

“May I make a suggestion to the Minister? Doncaster Sheffield airport recently closed down.

“Will he consider using it to fly out illegal immigrants and deport them quickly?”

Mr Jenrick responded: “It is absolutely right that, as a deterrent, we increase the number of illegal migrants removed from this country, so that it is clear that anyone who comes here in breach of our laws in this manner will not get to stay in the UK.

“We have taken a number of steps recently.

“One has been our communiqué with Albania, a safe European country from which it should be extremely unusual for anyone to come here and successfully gain asylum.

“That communiqué is now in force, with updated country guidance, and individuals are now being removed from the United Kingdom on weekly flights to Albania.

“We are working very well with the Albanian Government. That is one example of how we can tackle this issue.”