Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has accused migrants of making a mockery of Britain’s laws by lodging last-minute claims to block deportations under the Government’s “one in, one out” deal with France.
Her comments came after the High Court halted the removal of a 25-year-old Eritrean man on Tuesday, hours before his scheduled flight.
The court ruled he should be given 14 days to present evidence that he is a victim of modern slavery.
Mahmood said she would appeal the decision and review the Modern Slavery Act, warning it is being abused to frustrate removals.
“Migrants suddenly deciding they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal make a mockery of our laws and this country’s generosity,” she said.
At least three Channel migrants were pulled off flights this week after late legal challenges.
Lawyers say around 40 of the 100 migrants detained in August ahead of removals now have representation and are preparing to contest their deportations.
Although most are from conflict-torn countries including Eritrea, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Syria and Libya.
Also, solicitors argue that the Home Office’s process has been chaotic, with people selected for removal without adequate screening.
Imogen Townley of Wilson Solicitors, which is representing a Libyan migrant, said the Government must ensure “proper, meaningful consideration” of each case.
Government lawyers told the High Court the delays risk undermining the deterrent effect of the scheme, warning that if one migrant is granted extra time, “lots of the other people will” follow suit.
Despite the setbacks, ministers insist the first returns will go ahead imminently. The French interior ministry said it also expects to send asylum seekers to Britain on Saturday as part of the reciprocal arrangement.
