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UK government says it will fight legal blocks preventing migrant removals

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 17, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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UK government says it will fight legal blocks preventing migrant removals
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LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Wednesday pledged to fight what it called "vexatious, last minute claims" used to block or delay the deportation of migrants, a day after a court temporarily blocked an

UK Government Vows to Challenge Legal Hurdles on Migrant Deportations

Legal Challenges to Migrant Deportations

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Wednesday pledged to fight what it called "vexatious, last minute claims" used to block or delay the deportation of migrants, a day after a court temporarily blocked an asylum seeker who arrived on a small boat being sent to France.

Government's Stance on Legal Claims

"I will fight to end vexatious, last-minute claims. I will robustly defend the British public’s priorities in any court. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our border,” interior minister Shabana Mahmood said in a statement. 

Recent Court Rulings and Implications

On Tuesday a 25-year-old Eritrean man, who arrived in Britain on August 12, won an interim injunction at London's High Court that prevented his removal on a flight to France under a "one in, one out" pilot scheme announced by Britain and France in July.

Public Pressure and Political Context

Judge Clive Sheldon had said there was a "serious issue to be tried" in relation to whether the man's claim to be a victim of trafficking prevented his removal to France.

Mahmood said: "Migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal, having never made such a claim before, make a mockery of our laws and this country’s generosity."

The court ruling came with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government facing mounting pressure to stop small boats taking asylum seekers across the Channel from Europe, a route by which more than 30,000 people have come so far in 2025.

(Reporting by William James; editing by Michael Holden)

Key Takeaways

  • UK government to challenge legal blocks on deportations.
  • Interior minister vows to defend public priorities.
  • Recent court ruling prevents deportation of Eritrean man.
  • Pressure mounts on UK to stop Channel crossings.
  • Legal claims of trafficking complicate deportations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What action is the UK government taking regarding migrant removals?
The UK government has pledged to fight legal blocks that it describes as 'vexatious, last-minute claims' used to delay the deportation of migrants.
What was the outcome of the recent court ruling?
A 25-year-old Eritrean man won an interim injunction at London's High Court, preventing his removal to France under a 'one in, one out' policy.
What does the interior minister say about trafficking claims?
Interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated that claims of modern slavery made just before removal undermine the country's laws and generosity.
How many asylum seekers have crossed the Channel this year?
More than 30,000 asylum seekers have crossed the Channel from Europe this year, prompting pressure on the government to address the issue.
What is the government's priority regarding border security?
The government aims to robustly defend the British public's priorities in court and secure the border against illegal crossings.

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