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Windrush: What is the 'hostile environment' immigration policy?

The 'hostile environment' immigration policy has been blamed for the Windrush scandal.

Earlier this week, the government was forced to apologise after it emerged some children of the so-called Windrush generation had been declared illegal immigrants.

Many were threatened with deportation, denied access to NHS treatment, benefits and pensions and stripped of their jobs.

But what is the 'hostile environment' policy?

20 April 2018

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John Darvall sat on the left of a composite image, in a purple studio with a microphone in front of him. On the right is Keir Starmer with grey hair and brown glasses.

PM challenged on West's councils facing bankruptcy

BBC Newsline

BBC Newsline signed summary

BBC Scotland weather presenter Christopher Blanchett in front of a weather map of Scotland showing snow warnings.

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Mural of The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke unveiled

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Ryan Borgwardt

US kayaker who faked own death thought to have fled to Europe

Ruth Dodsworth in the BBC studios in Cardiff. She is sitting on an orange sofa. She has cropped blonde hair and is wearing a fitted mauve top,

Stalking was part of my daily life, says presenter

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Manx capital sparkles at Christmas lights switch-on

A woman has her make up done in a Swansea salon for Beaujolais Day

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Aardman unveils new Wallace and Gromit trail

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Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

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Chris Mason and Mark Logan

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Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

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Carla Denyer

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Rishi Sunak

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Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

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Keir Starmer

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Rishi Sunak

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Nigel Farage

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Sir Keir Starmer

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Rachel Reeves

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Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

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Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

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Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

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