Labour's 'One-in, One-out' Migrant Deportation Policy in Shambles After High Court Blocks Removal

Strategic Insights -

The UK government's 'one-in, one-out' policy, aimed at deporting migrants in exchange for taking in others, has been dealt a significant blow after a High Court ruling blocked the removal of a small-boat migrant to France. The decision, which is the first challenge to the policy to reach court, has raised concerns that Labour's returns deal will be in legal limbo for months. The court ruling came after two flights from Heathrow airport were blocked by separate last-minute legal actions, with the Home Office facing criticism for its handling of the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Court blocked the deportation of a small-boat migrant to France after his lawyer argued that he would face destitution and breach of human rights.
  • The migrant's modern slavery claim proved crucial in persuading the High Court to temporarily block his removal.
  • The emergency hearing was told that the organisation which examines modern slavery claims would not be able to carry out its work if the applicant was abroad.
  • The court case is the first challenge to Labour's 'one-in, one-out' policy to reach court.
  • The policy has been repeatedly warned to be blocked by human rights laws, with the Prime Minister insisting that Britain will never leave the human rights treaty.
  • Since the policy came into force on August 7, more than 5,400 small-boat migrants have reached Britain.
  • The delays and prospect of more challenges ending up in court are a massive blow for the Government as it comes under intense pressure to tackle the Channel crisis.
  • Former home secretary Yvette Cooper was moved sideways to the Foreign Office in this month's reshuffle after she failed to make progress.
  • The Home Office refused to discuss details of the returns scheme.

Statistics:

  • 31,026 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year, up 38% on the same period last year.
  • Since the 'one-in, one-out' deal came into force on August 7, more than 5,400 small-boat migrants have reached Britain.
  • Two flights from Heathrow airport were blocked by separate last-minute legal actions.

Sources:

  • "Labour's 'one-in, one-out' migrant deportations policy in shambles after High Court blocks removal to France" (The Telegraph)
  • "Former Labour minister Yvette Cooper was moved out as Home Secretary in reshuffle" (Evening Standard)
  • "UK courts block migrant deportation flights amid human rights concerns" (Reuters)
  • "Britain will never leave European human rights law, says Sir Keir Starmer" (The Daily Mail)