The Home Office is under intense pressure to explain what Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has labelled "unacceptable" treatment of a British citizen by immigration officials.
Professor Parvati Raghuram, who has been a British citizen for over two decades and teaches at Nottingham Trent University, was subjected to questioning by Border Force officers despite presenting her UK passport. The incident occurred as she returned from a holiday, raising serious concerns about the Home Office's internal guidance and training procedures.
Politicians Demand Answers
In a letter seen by The Independent, Ms. Cooper and her shadow minister, Seema Malhotra, have demanded urgent clarification from the government. They are seeking details on how such a fundamental error could occur and what measures will be implemented to prevent it from happening again.
"This case suggests a concerning lack of basic training or a serious breach of protocol within the Border Force," the politicians stated. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the efficiency and fairness of the UK's border control systems.
A Pattern of Errors?
This is not an isolated incident. Critics argue it points to a deeper, systemic issue within the Home Office, where even individuals with full and valid documentation are facing undue scrutiny and delays. The case of Professor Raghuram, an established academic, has become a focal point for these concerns.
The Home Office has acknowledged receipt of the letter and is expected to issue a formal response. A spokesperson said, "We are looking into the details of this case and take all such reports seriously."
