Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) faces fresh challenges over his migrant returns agreement with France after a High Court judge granted an Eritrean man a last-minute reprieve from deportation. The unnamed asylum seeker had been scheduled for removal on a Wednesday morning flight but secured temporary protection through legal intervention.
The case centres on trafficking allegations and claims of vulnerability, with lawyers arguing their client faces potential destitution in France. The man reportedly has a gunshot wound and maintains he requires protection rather than removal to French authorities.
Court grants interim relief
Mr Justice Sheldon ruled on Tuesday evening that serious questions existed regarding the trafficking claim and whether the Home Secretary had fulfilled proper investigatory duties. The judge acknowledged the case warranted careful examination before any removal could proceed.
However, Justice Sheldon indicated he saw no immediate risk of destitution if the man were returned to France. He ordered the case to return to court promptly for further consideration of the claimant's representations.
Political backlash intensifies
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded with sharp criticism, telling ministers: "We told you so." Shadow home secretary Chris Philp (Conservative) dismissed the returns scheme as "another failed gimmick from this weak Government."
Philp claimed he had warned the Home Secretary that without disapplying the Human Rights Act for immigration cases, the returns deal would collapse in court. "She refused to listen, and here is the predictable result," he stated.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused the Government of dishonesty about immigration plans, arguing: "Even if the policy worked, one in, one out, and with another one in, still means plus one for everyone that crosses the Channel."
Scheme faces broader difficulties
The setback follows reports that Monday's inaugural return flight to France departed without any asylum seekers aboard. According to The Times, the Air France flight proceeded empty despite the fanfare surrounding the new arrangement.
Downing Street rejected characterisations of the scheme as a "shambles" and denied that court interventions demonstrated ministerial powerlessness. Officials maintained on Tuesday that removals would begin "imminently" under the agreement.
The pilot programme, negotiated between Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July, allows the UK to return Channel-crossing asylum seekers to France in exchange for approved applicants coming to Britain. France reportedly agreed to accept only a small initial group, with numbers expected to increase gradually.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
