Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faces criticism from the anti-slavery watchdog for allegedly jeopardizing the safety of vulnerable individuals. The Cabinet minister expressed discontent with the application of modern slavery laws in halting migrant deportations, labeling it as a distortion of legal principles. This stance drew disapproval from independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons, who emphasized the detrimental effect on victims of exploitation, potentially deterring them from seeking help.
The Government encountered a setback following a High Court ruling preventing the deportation of an Eritrean man to France under the “one in, one out” initiative. Despite the man’s scheduled removal, the court granted him a temporary reprieve, allowing time to substantiate his claim of being a modern slavery victim within 14 days. In response, the Home Office plans to appeal the decision and initiates a prompt review of the Modern Slavery Act to scrutinize its susceptibility to misuse.
Mahmood asserted the importance of combating last-minute claims of modern slavery by migrants facing deportation, characterizing such assertions as an exploitation of legal provisions and national goodwill. She vowed to defend the public interest vigorously and secure the country’s borders against such practices.
Senior Treasury minister James Murray defended the Government’s response to illegal migration concerns, emphasizing alignment with public sentiments and the imperative to address the issue effectively. The collaborative effort with the French government through a recent pilot scheme aimed at curbing small boat crossings signifies a pivotal strategy following Brexit, emphasizing mutual agreements on asylum seeker exchanges between the UK and France.
Legal proceedings highlighted the potential risks faced by the Eritrean man if returned to France, prompting judicial review on trafficking allegations and the Home Secretary’s compliance with investigative protocols. The ongoing legal deliberations underscore the complexity surrounding deportation policies and the protection of individuals at risk, amidst evolving immigration challenges.