Asylum seeker removal flight takes off despite last-minute court actions

Home Office says 14 people were flown out, while 19 of those due to be removed had their tickets deferred

A charter flight to remove asylum seekers who recently arrived in the UK on small boats took off on Wednesday morning carrying 14 people, the Home Office said, despite last-minute high court actions and other interventions just hours before takeoff.

Nineteen people due to fly did not board the plane. The Home Office said 14 people were placed on the charter flight destined for France and Germany.