Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is facing criticism from the anti-slavery watchdog for endangering vulnerable lives. The Cabinet minister expressed disapproval of using modern slavery laws to halt the deportation of migrants, labeling it a mockery of legal principles. This critique came following a High Court ruling that blocked the removal of an asylum seeker under the UK’s agreement with France.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons emphasized the real-world repercussions of Mahmood’s statements on victims of exploitation, potentially deterring them from seeking help. The Home Office holds the authority to determine modern slavery victim status, a process examined by parliamentary committees which found no system misuse. Lyons argued that suggesting otherwise by the Home Secretary could jeopardize vulnerable individuals.

The Government faced a setback when the High Court prevented the deportation of an Eritrean man under the “one in, one out” policy. Scheduled for removal to France, the man obtained a temporary reprieve to substantiate his modern slavery claim within 14 days. The Home Office plans to appeal the court’s decision and Mahmood is conducting an urgent review of the Modern Slavery Act to prevent potential abuse.

Mahmood defended the Government’s stance, denouncing last-minute claims of modern slavery by migrants facing removal as an exploitation of the legal system. She vowed to combat such claims and uphold national security measures rigorously.

In response to accusations that Labour has strayed from its core values, Treasury minister James Murray asserted that the Government is addressing public concerns regarding illegal migration and border control. A recent agreement with France aims to curb small boat crossings, marking a significant step post-Brexit. The UK and France will exchange asylum seekers under this agreement, with the UK returning those crossing the Channel in return for approved entries to Britain.

The Eritrean man’s legal team argued that returning him to France would expose him to destitution, prompting the court to evaluate the trafficking claim and investigative procedures by the Secretary of State. The judgment highlighted the need for a fair trial to address these issues properly.