Campaigners protested outside Downing Street against the deportation of up to 50 Jamaicans, some of whom have not lived in Jamaica since childhood

The Court of Appeal last night handed an 11th-hour reprieve to a group of up to 50 Jamaicans due to be deported from the UK today for criminal offences.

Priti Patel had defended the Home Office deportation plan, despite concerns that some of those on board had not lived in Jamaica since they were young children.

More than 170 MPs had called on the government to stop the flight, which reportedly took off from Stansted Airport this morning. The High Court refused to stop the flight earlier yesterday, but an appeal was successful amid concerns that some of those due to be on board had not had access to legal advice.

Lady Justice Simler granted the order without a court hearing after an urgent application