UK to Appeal Court Ruling Blocking Migrant Deportation Under France Deal
The UK government is set to appeal a High Court decision that has temporarily blocked the deportation of an Eritrean man under its new migrant returns agreement with France. The man, who arrived by small boat last month, claimed he was a victim of modern slavery just hours before his scheduled removal. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the move “intolerable,” saying, “migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal, having never made such a claim before, make a mockery of our laws and this country’s generosity.”
The “one in, one out” deal, agreed in July, allows the UK to return Channel-crossing migrants to France in exchange for accepting approved asylum seekers. While the government argues the man could have claimed asylum in France, the court granted him 14 days to provide evidence of trafficking. The UK’s independent anti-slavery commissioner pushed back, warning that accusing migrants of exploiting the system “puts vulnerable lives at risk” and undermines protections for genuine victims.
This legal battle follows reports that the first flights under the scheme left empty earlier this week. Despite the setback, Mahmood insisted the policy would go ahead, saying she would “fight to end vexatious, last-minute claims” and “do whatever it takes to secure our border.” The government is also reviewing the Modern Slavery Act amid concerns it may be open to misuse — a claim experts say lacks supporting evidence.
