Keir Starmer faced a setback following a High Court ruling that blocked the deportation of an Eritrean man to France on Wednesday. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons, was slated for removal under the UK’s “one in, one out” policy. He took legal action against the Home Office to halt his deportation.
Initially scheduled for a flight to France at 9 am on Wednesday, the man received a temporary reprieve. The Home Office justified its expectation for the man, who entered the UK after crossing the Channel, to seek asylum in France.
In a recent development, Mr. Justice Sheldon granted interim relief, emphasizing the need to maintain the current situation. The judge ordered a halt to the removal scheduled for the next morning, allowing for further court proceedings considering the man’s trafficking claim.
The court’s decision followed an assessment by the national referral mechanism (NRM) for potential victims of slavery and human trafficking. A pilot program established with the French government aimed to address small boat crossings, resulting in initial detentions with pending deportations from the UK.
Despite facing legal challenges, Downing Street signaled imminent deportations. The Prime Minister’s spokesman refrained from divulging operational specifics due to ongoing developments. The man’s legal counsel raised concerns about his vulnerability and risk of destitution if sent back to France, highlighting the complexities of the case.
The Home Office’s representative argued that the UK-France agreement served a crucial public interest, addressing safety issues associated with Channel crossings. The case underscores broader social and political concerns regarding small boat migration and the protection of vulnerable individuals in asylum systems.
Stay informed on UK politics with our daily email briefing for exclusive insights delivered to your inbox.