Home Office hit with another setback as High Court rules in favour of migrants

The Home Office has lost their legal challenge to deport an Eritrean migrant back to France, Justice Sheldon has granted the asylum seeker at least 14 days to make a representation to prove that he was a victim of modern-day slavery.

The Eritrean was scheduled to be removed to France on 17 September at 9am under Sir Keir Starmer’s “one in, one out” deal.

Kate Grange KC, representing the Home Office, said, “The Secretary of State for the Home Department contends that the judge erred when he determined that interim relief was appropriate.”

She added, “This case raises an issue of compelling public importance given the significance of the policy of removing to France under the treaty and the acute need to prevent and deter small boat journeys across the English Channel.

“The judge’s decision to grant interim relief, and for such a significant period in the context of this policy, causes real damage to the public interest and undermines a central policy objective.”