Letter: Broader role for MPs as a safeguard for deportees

Sir: In our concern about Joy Gardner, who died after being arrested by the police, we seem to have overlooked that innocent victim, the five-year-old child. Were any arrangements made by the police for the care of the child, or was he just abandoned by them?

Equally important, did the police realise the traumatic effect upon this little boy of witnessing his mother being treated in this brutal fashion, and of suddenly being parted from her? In short, what regard was paid to the welfare of this child in the decision to deport his mother by force?

Yours faithfully,

RICHARD ANSTEY

Canterbury

6 August