Story perspectives

High Court Invalidates Trafficking Amendment After Mass France Removals

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

High Court judge Mr Justice Sheldon ruled Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s trafficking amendment unlawful, letting five asylum seekers pursue claims.
Since August, over 1,000 asylum seekers have been removed to France under the one-in-one-out deal.
Four claimants described kidnapping, beating and forced grave-digging while detained in underground Libyan facilities.
Solicitor Elizabeth Cole urged the Home Secretary to honour treaty obligations and return the unlawfully removed.

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Story summary

High Court judge Mr Justice Sheldon ruled Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s trafficking amendment unlawful, letting five asylum seekers pursue claims.
Since August, over 1,000 asylum seekers have been removed to France under the one-in-one-out deal.
Four claimants described kidnapping, beating and forced grave-digging while detained in underground Libyan facilities.
Solicitor Elizabeth Cole urged the Home Secretary to honour treaty obligations and return the unlawfully removed.