Clear parallels' with Windrush as UK-born toddler denied passport

"The UK has failed to learn lessons since the Windrush scandal, campaigners say, after a UK-born toddler was denied a British passport and asked to prove she has the right to free NHS treatment. Three-year-old Zharia-Rae's mother, Tracy Ann Dunkley, has been a British citizen since 2024 and the child's older brother, born to the same parents in 2020, was given a British passport in 2022."

"Dunkley has also been sent letters demanding proof that the child who was born in Birmingham with hip dysplasia, is non-verbal and is being assessed for autism is entitled to free NHS treatment. The latest letter, received on Thursday, states that the investigation into the child's eligibility is based on the answers to questions asked about Zharia-Rae's nationality and immigration status and adds that an invoice will be prepared and issued."

"My manager told me that there's a new feature at work. You have to upload the documents on to an app. And that needs to be done before you can return to work. After uploading the same documents that I used to get hired initially, my manager then calls me back and tells me I'm not eligible to work. So I could not return to work, she said."

A UK-born three-year-old has been denied a British passport and classified as a British overseas territory (BOT) citizen, limiting rights and privileges in the UK. The child's mother, a British citizen since 2024 and originally from Anguilla, has received letters demanding proof that the child is entitled to free NHS treatment and warning an invoice will be prepared. The child was born in Birmingham with hip dysplasia, is non-verbal and is being assessed for autism. The mother, a stay-at-home carer for two children with additional needs, cannot afford potential charges and was previously told she was not eligible to return to work.

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