Man returns home after surrogate baby born

Raj Gill from Essex said parenthood has been lovely

A dad who had to wait four months before he could return to the UK with his new baby son after he had been born abroad has said he was happy to be back on British soil.

Raj Gill from Grays, Essex, said he felt "abandoned" by the UK authorities after his son was born via surrogacy on 29 January, because he had to wait until May for his baby's passport to be issued.

On 4 May the father and son were able to fly back to the UK and Mr Gill said parenthood has been "lovely".

The Home Office said it would not comment on individual passport applications, but added that additional checks ordinarily take place to confirm a child's nationality, before an emergency travel document was issued.

'Lovely'

Since being back in the UK, Mr Gill said parenthood "has been lovely" and his son is now five months old.

Mr Gill, who has taught at Lee Chapel Primary School in Basildon for the past 18 years, said he looked to have a baby by surrogacy after not finding a partner.

He said his love for children meant he always wanted his own.

Mr Gill added that he has recently gone back to work as a primary school teacher.