Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is facing criticism from the anti-slavery watchdog for allegedly endangering vulnerable individuals. The Cabinet minister expressed discontent with the use of modern slavery laws to obstruct migrant deportations, deeming it a distortion of legal protocols. In response, independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons emphasized the real-world repercussions on exploitation victims, potentially deterring them from seeking help.
The Government encountered a setback when a High Court ruling prevented the deportation of an Eritrean man to France under the “one in, one out” initiative. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was granted a temporary stay just before his scheduled deportation, pending a 14-day period to substantiate his modern slavery victim status.
In reaction, the Home Office plans to appeal the decision and initiate an urgent review of the Modern Slavery Act to ascertain any potential misuse. Mahmood defended the Government’s stance, denouncing last-minute claims of modern slavery by migrants as a manipulation of the legal system and the country’s goodwill.
Additionally, a pilot program was established with the French government to address small boat crossings, marking a significant post-Brexit agreement between the two nations. The initiative entails returning asylum seekers who crossed the Channel to France in exchange for approved entrants to the UK, aiming to curb illegal migration activities.
Legal representatives for the Eritrean man highlighted the risk of destitution if he is deported to France, prompting Mr. Justice Sheldon to acknowledge a substantial legal challenge regarding the trafficking claim and the government’s investigative procedures.